EuroPride is the flagship Pride event of Europe, awarded each year to a different European city by the European Pride Organisers Association (EPOA). Since its inception in 1992, EuroPride has grown into one of the most important LGBTQ+ events on the continent, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors and shining a spotlight on the host city's queer community.
How EuroPride Works
Cities must bid to host EuroPride, presenting their plans for the event, infrastructure and commitment to LGBTQ+ rights. The EPOA membership votes on the winning city, typically several years in advance. The host city then organises an extended programme of events lasting one to two weeks, centred around a large Pride parade but also including conferences, cultural events, parties, film screenings and community gatherings.
Hosting EuroPride is both a prestigious honour and a powerful political statement. In recent years, the event has been deliberately awarded to cities in countries where LGBTQ+ rights are still contested, helping to amplify local movements and bring international attention to their struggles.
Recent and Upcoming EuroPride Events
- 2022 — Belgrade, Serbia: A historic and politically significant choice. Despite government opposition and security concerns, EuroPride Belgrade took place with a march through the city centre, sending a powerful message about LGBTQ+ visibility in the Balkans.
- 2023 — Valletta, Malta: The Mediterranean island nation, which has some of the most progressive LGBTQ+ laws in Europe, hosted a colourful and inclusive celebration.
- 2024 — Thessaloniki, Greece: Greece's second-largest city welcomed EuroPride, coinciding with the country's landmark introduction of same-sex marriage.
- 2025 — Lisbon, Portugal: Portugal's vibrant capital hosted EuroPride, building on the country's strong track record of LGBTQ+ rights legislation.
- 2026 — Amsterdam, Netherlands: In a special double event, Amsterdam will host both WorldPride and EuroPride from July 25 to August 8, 2026, celebrating 25 years of marriage equality in the Netherlands. The iconic Canal Parade on August 1 will be the centrepiece.
- 2027 — Turin, Italy: Confirmed for June 18–26, 2027. Italy's industrial capital and cultural hub will bring EuroPride to a country still working towards full LGBTQ+ equality.
- 2028 — West of Ireland: In a surprising and exciting choice, the West of Ireland won the bid for EuroPride 2028, beating Manchester. It will be a landmark event for LGBTQ+ visibility in rural and regional communities.
Why EuroPride Matters
EuroPride is more than just a bigger version of a local Pride. It brings together LGBTQ+ people and allies from across the continent, creates economic impact for the host city, and generates significant media attention. For cities in countries with less progressive records on LGBTQ+ rights, hosting EuroPride can be a catalyst for change — sparking public debate, strengthening local organisations and demonstrating that Pride belongs everywhere in Europe.