European Day of Languages
Since 2001, September 26 has marked the European Day of Languages, a yearly celebration of the rich and diverse languages used across Europe. This day is a chance for schools and organisations to:
- Promote the importance and benefits of language learning.
- Raise awareness and appreciation of all the languages used in Europe.
- Encourage and support lifelong language learning.
The European Day of Languages is an initiative of the Council of Europe. You can find information on EDL 2025, resources and interactive games on the European Day of Languages website.
Why Should I Get Involved in the European Day of Languages?
As a language learner or educator, you already know that familiarity with foreign languages fosters an appreciation of intercultural relations, and that language learning benefits people of all ages.
The European Day of Languages is a fantastic opportunity to promote the power of language learning and language diversity. It offers a space to engage in fun language activities with your class, organisation, and the wider language community. For educators, the European Languages Day is especially relevant if you:
- have students who are bilingual or multilingual
- want to help students celebrate their linguistic heritage
- want to show your students the beauty of a multilingual society
European Day of Languages
Play video about European Day of Languages
I’m Interested! What Now?
The next European Day of Languages will be celebrated on 26 September 2025. Anyone can take part in the European Day of Languages and come up with ideas or events centred around languages.
You can also visit the European Day of Languages website to explore a range of interactive games and resources already available for language teachers and learners. You choose the activities that interest you and decide how much time to dedicate!
Ordering your celebration packs
The deadline to submit an expression of interest to receive the 2025 EDL Celebration Pack closed on 27 June 2025.
Previous European Day of Languages Competitions
Over the years Léargas has been proud to run several competitions in recognition of the European Day of Languages. These have typically been for primary and post-primary teachers, and often in conjunction with eTwinning, the online community for schools in Europe. This partnership has celebrated collaboration and exchange between schools in different EU countries and promoted creativity and innovation in language teaching and learning.
Previous winners of the European Day of Languages Competition have included:
- Balbriggan ETNS, Dublin: Let’s Celebrate the European Day of Languages 2024! #EDLComp24
- King’s Hospital, Dublin: Gesunde Schule Gesunde Schuler #EDLComp24
- Midleton CBS, Cork: The sunny South East #EDLComp24
- Coláiste Iosaef, Limerick: The journey of Words / Le voyage des mots #EDLComp24
- St Mary’s Parish Primary, Louth: “¡Hola – Hello!: Enhancing Spanish-Irish Language Skills through ICT” #EDLComp24
2024 EDL Winner
Cecilia Gavigan from Educate Together National School in Balbriggan was one of our 2024 European Day of Languages award winners for her outstanding project, ‘Let’s Celebrate European Day of Languages’. The project brought Irish students together with their peers from Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, Spain and beyond fostering meaningful international connections and cultural discussions. Cecilia highlighted the positive impact the project had on her students who were inspired to learn more about different countries and cultures. The students were especially delighted to be part of something celebrated at such a high standard, knowing their efforts had contributed to a recognised, award-winning initiative. Check out this winning project and well done to all our 2024 winners!
Play video about 2024 EDL Winner
European Language Label: Vicki's Story
Play video about European Language Label: Vicki's Story
eTwinning European Day of Languages Competition #EDLComp25
To enter, simply:
• Register a language-focused project on the eTwinning platform between 08 September and 14 November 2025,
• Tag it #EDLComp25 in the Project Description, and
• Submit an 800-word Reflection on the process, project experience and and outputs to the project Twin Space. You must email this Reflection to etwinning@leargas.ie by 14 November to complete your entry.
Your project can be as short as a week or continue until the submission deadline of 14 November 2025. Winners will be announced in December 2025!
Check out the competition guidelines and/or email etwinning@leargas.ie for details.
Learn More
Find out more about European Language Initiatives.
European Languages Links
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