The Southern Regional Assembly proudly marked Europe Day 2026 with a range of activities across the region, highlighting the importance of the European Union and its positive impact on communities.
In the lead-up to Europe Day on 9 May, the Assembly celebrated with its members, recognising the role of EU cooperation in regional development and reaffirming its commitment to strengthening connections between Europe and the Southern Region.
A key focus of this year’s programme was engaging younger audiences. The Assembly delivered a series of interactive classroom sessions in primary schools across the region, introducing students to the European Union in an accessible and engaging way. These sessions explored themes such as Europe vs the EU, Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU, and the benefits of EU funding for local communities.
Dulla NS, Tipperary
Piercestown NS, Wexford
Scoil Naomh Padraig NS, Knocknasa, Kerry
St Patricks NS Strangsmills, Kilkenny
Realt Na Mara NS, Dunmore East, Waterford
Ballyvaughan NS, Clare
St Fergals NS, Killeagh, Cork
Cork Educate Together NS, Cork City
Waterpark NS, Waterford City
Ballon NS, Carlow
Scoil Réalta na Maidine, Listowel, Kerry
We were delighted to visit the following primary schools:
- Dualla National School, Tipperary
- Piercestown National School, Wexford
- Scoil Naomh Padraig National School, Knocknasa, Limerick
- St. Patricks National School Strangsmills, Kilkenny
- Realt Na Mara National School, Dunmore East, Waterford
- Ballyvaughan National School, Clare
- St Fergal’s National School, Killeagh, Cork
- Cork Educate Together National School, Corky City
- Waterpark National School, Waterford City
- Ballon National School, Carlow
- Scoil Réalta na Maidine, LIstowel, Kerry
The classroom sessions were supported through partnerships with Primary Planet and Newsflash magazines, helping to extend the reach of the Europe Day message to classrooms throughout the country. The initiative was delivered in collaboration with the Northern & Western Regional Assembly and the Eastern & Midland Regional Assembly, demonstrating a strong all-island approach to promoting EU awareness.
Through these activities, the Southern Regional Assembly continues to foster a greater understanding of the European Union among young people, encouraging active citizenship and awareness of the opportunities that EU membership provides.
In parallel with these activities, the Southern Regional Assembly worked closely with EU Funds Ireland and Managing Authorities to support a coordinated national communications campaign to mark Europe Day. This included collaboration on a special Europe Day supplement in the Sunday Independent, highlighting the real and tangible impact of EU funding in communities across Ireland, as well as a regional advertising campaign to further raise awareness nationwide.
The Assembly also supported the promotion of the national “Our Ireland, Our EU” photo competition, which invites the public to capture and share images of EU-funded projects and initiatives in their communities. The competition aims to showcase the positive difference EU investment is making to everyday life across Ireland, while encouraging creativity and active citizen engagement.
Europe Day provides an opportunity each year to celebrate unity, solidarity and cooperation across Europe. The Assembly remains committed to ensuring that communities across the Southern Region are informed, engaged and inspired by the EU’s work and its impact at a local level.