Free Connecting Europe Fair opens doors for young people

On Europe Day, Saturday 9 May 2026, a free drop-in event for 16–35-year-olds will take place in Edinburgh, offering practical opportunities to study, work, travel, and volunteer across Europe.

The Connecting Europe Fair will be hosted at the French Institute on the Royal Mile from 10:00 to 16:30. Part of the wider Festival of Europe Scotland (7–17 May), this Fair is all about sharing exciting European connections that are accessible to as many people as possible.

Visitors will have the chance to meet with key organisations offering access to European opportunities, including the British Council, Erasmus Student Network, International Voluntary Service, the University of Edinburgh’s Languages for All programme, and the EU–UK Parliamentary Liaison Office.

The Fair will also feature exciting activities, such as:

  • Prize Draw: Win Interrail passes
  • Photo Booth Competition: Get creative for a chance to win Amazon vouchers
  • Europe Day Quiz – to test your knowledge about Europe and learn something new!

Following the UK’s rejoining of Erasmus Plus, the Connecting Europe Fair offers a timely opportunity to explore education, volunteering, and travel across Europe once again. Whether you have five minutes or five hours to spare, pop by the Fair and in-person connect with experts who can help you unlock European experiences.

Organiser Niamh Donnellan explained: “The Fair aims to open doors and highlight accessible ways for young people in Scotland to engage with Europe, whether through study, volunteering, or cultural exchange.”

EVENT DETAILS

  • Date: Saturday 9 May 2026
  • Time: 10:00 – 16:30
  • Location: French Institute, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 1RN (Step-free access via George IV Bridge)
  • Cost: Free Entry

More Information: festivalofeuropescotland.org/connecting-europe-fair