What does a euro quiz for seniors, a debate among local representatives and a gathering in a town hall have in common? They are all ways EU Local Councillors brought the 2026 State of the Union address closer to people in their communities. Across Europe, councillors also joined forces with EUROPE DIRECT centres and other local partners. Here are just four examples from the ground.
From the debate on Europe’s future to a euro quiz in Kaišiadorys
In Kaišiadorys, Lithuania, EU Local Councillor and Mayor Šarūnas Čėsna helped bring SOTEU 2026 to students of the local Third Age University — with a mix of European debate and an interactive challenge.
Organised by EUROPE DIRECT Kaunas County, together with the Kaišiadorys Education and Sports Centre and the EU Local Councillors Network, the event began with remarks from Mayor Čėsna and a live screening of the State of the Union address.
The discussion, led by Laimutė Pilukaitė, former Head of the Political Reporting Team at the European Commission Representation in Lithuania, covered topics ranging from European security and artificial intelligence to children's online safety and critical raw materials.
To round off the event, Diana Lukoševičiūtė-Burneikienė from EUROPE DIRECT Kaunas County invited participants to test their knowledge of euro banknotes and coins. An interactive way to end a conversation about Europe's future!
One European speech, different local perspectives in the Algarve
In Portugal, President of the Parish Council andEU Local Councillor Bruno Miguel Alves, from Armação de Pêra, joined a SOTEU event bringing together local and regional representatives in Faro.
Organised in cooperation with EUROPE DIRECT Algarve, a public viewing of the State of the Union address took place at the CCDR Algarve auditorium and was accompanied by a debate involving representatives from Armação de Pêra, Faro, Estômbar e Parchal and CCDR Algarve.
Bringing different local voices into the same room, the gathering offered an opportunity to look at European priorities from a local perspective and illustrated cooperation across municipalities.
Europe takes centre stage at Ragusa Town Hall
In Ragusa, Italy, EU Local Councillor Marco Antoci brought the State of the Union to the heart of local democracy: the town hall.
Organised in cooperation with EUROPE DIRECT Trapani Sicilia, the event brought participants together in the council chamber for an event dedicated to SOTEU 2026. A space normally dedicated to local affairs became a setting for engaging totally with the European level.
The initiative showed how a familiar civic space can also become a meeting point for Europe, bringing European affairs closer to local communities.
A local meeting point for Europe in Baia Mare
In Baia Mare, Romania, EU Local Councillor Robert Cotos took part in a local SOTEU initiative organised by EUROPE DIRECT Maramureș.
Around a meeting table, participants came together for an event dedicated to the 2026 State of the Union. The gathering brought European affairs into a local setting, offering another way for communities to connect with the annual address and the issues it raises.
The initiative illustrated how EU Local Councillors and EUROPE DIRECT centres can cooperate to bring major European events into local community settings.
Feeling inspired by these examples?
Did you organise a SOTEU event or find a creative way to spark European conversations in your community? If not yet done, share and report your experience here — we'd love to hear your story and inspire fellow EU Local Councillors!
- Publication date
- 30 September 2026
- Authors
- European Committee of the Regions | European Commission