BTU is celebrating European Weeks in May
There are plenty of highlights in store again this year. The first event kicks off on 6 May with the Study Abroad Fair in the BTU canteen. Here, students can find comprehensive information on international exchange opportunities. Representatives from the International Relations Office, the Language Centre, and student representatives from the EUNICE Student Advisory Board and the Local Erasmus Initiative will be in attendance.
On 7 May, the Quizlabor invites you to the Gladhouse for the popular special edition of ‘Das große Europa Spezial’. Here, participants can test their knowledge of Europe in an entertaining way and deepen their understanding through play.
8 May is all about exchange and reflection at the BTU’s main campus.
The Cottbus European Talks are taking place once again and will once more provide a space for dialogue on current European issues this year. In his keynote speech, Dr Gregor Gysi explores why many people in eastern Germany view the European Union with scepticism and what historical, social and political experiences shape this attitude. Afterwards, participants are invited to take an active part in the discussion and to explore perspectives for the future of Europe together. Also on 8 May, the exhibition “Connecting the Dots” will take place, which aims to highlight European interconnections and invites visitors to take a fresh look at shared challenges and prospects within Europe.
On Europe Day itself, 9 May, “Cottbus is(s)t” invites you to discover Europe through its cuisine and experience the diversity of European cooking in a convivial atmosphere. Another highlight follows on 27 May: “Speak-Dating is back!” At the City Museum (4–7 pm), language enthusiasts can strike up conversations in a relaxed atmosphere, put their language skills into practice and forge new intercultural connections.
In addition, numerous other events are planned in Cottbus. The events page will be updated regularly and offers a constantly expanding overview of the programme for the 5th Cottbus European Weeks.
All events at a glance:
| Date | Venue | Event | Notes |
| 6 May 2026, 11am–2pm | BTU Canteen | Study Abroad Fair with Kahoot quiz | for BTU students |
| 7 May 2026 | Meeting of the Cottbus City Children and Youth Advisory Council | ||
| 7 May 2026, 7 pm | Gladhouse | Quizlab “The Big Europe Special” | Open to the public; admission for students €1 |
| 8 May 2026, 9 am–7 pm | BTU main campus, ZHG foyer | Exhibition “Connecting the Dots” | Open to the public |
| 8 May 2026, 5–7 pm | BTU Main Campus, Main Lecture Theatre | Cottbus European Talks with Dr Gregor Gysi | Open to the public |
| 9 May 2026, 9 am–12.30 pm | Sorbian Language School | Polish language course for advanced learners | Registration: (0355) 792829 or post(at)sorbische-wendische-sprachschule.de |
| 9 May 2026, 10 am–2 pm | Square by the City Fountain | Cottbus is(s)t | Open to the public |
| 9 May 2026, 7 pm | Upper Church | zu.zweit Duet for organ and two dancers | |
| 10 May 2026, 7 pm | Cottbus State Theatre / Main Auditorium | 8th Philharmonic Concert “Rausch der Sinne” | Tickets |
| 11 May 2026, 3 .30–5.30 pm | BTU main campus, Senate Hall | Simulation Game “European Parliament” | Open to BTU students; registration by 6 May via Christin Handrek (christin.handrek(at)b-tu.de) |
| 15 May 2026, 7.30 pm | Cottbus State Theatre / Main Auditorium | Nabucco | Tickets |
| 19 May 2026 | Max Steenbeck Grammar School | German-Polish school exchange | For pupils of Max Steenbeck Gymnasium |
| 20 May 2026, 9 am–2 pm | Athletics Stadium | Mission Paralympics with Polish schools | |
| 21 May 2026, afternoon | Town Hall forecourt | KLĔB A SOL – The Cottbus Welcome Festival | Open to the public |
| 21 May 2026 | City centre | Ukrainian Traditional Costume Day | |
| 23 May 2026, 7.30 pm | Cottbus State Theatre / Main Auditorium | Ballet Gala 2026 International, fascinating and enchanting: the world of dance comes to Cottbus | Tickets |
| 26 May 2026, 5 pm | Online | Talk on youth exchanges and work camps | |
| 27 May 2026, 4–7 pm | City Museum | “Speak-Dating is back!” | Open to the public ; registration recommended |
| 30 May 2026, 11 am–3 pm | Lausitz Arena | Opening of the 32nd Brandenburg Senior Citizens’ Week |
Do you have an event with a European theme, or would you like to use the European Weeks to present a project? If so, please get in touch with Christin Handrek (christin.handrek(at)b-tu.de).
All information about the events will be published on an ongoing basis.
Background to Europe Day:
Europe Day marks the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, in which Robert Schuman presented his idea for a new form of political cooperation in Europe, intended to make war between the nations of Europe unthinkable. Europe Day is celebrated by many countries in the European Union and symbolises the shared vision of a united Europe. It commemorates the efforts to promote peace, democracy and cooperation between European nations.
Background to the Cottbus Europe Weeks
The Cottbus European Weeks were initiated as a collaboration between the ‘Education & Integration’ department of the City of Cottbus and the International Relations Office at BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. The focus of BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg’s involvement here is primarily on raising the profile of European university cooperation initiatives, such as the ‘European UNIversity for Customised Education’ (EUNICE).
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