Chief Minister Andrew Barr Officially Opens EU Village at 2026 National Multicultural Festival

Official Ceremony Marks Opening of EU Village

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr today officially opened the European Union (EU) Village at the National Multicultural Festival in the heart of Canberra. The ceremony, which took place at 10:00 am this Saturday, 7 February 2026, saw the Chief Minister joined by EU Ambassador to Australia Gabriele Visentin to celebrate the strong diplomatic and cultural ties between the Australian Capital Territory and Europe.

The EU Village serves as a central hub for the festival, featuring 22 stalls representing various European nations. During his address, Chief Minister Barr emphasized Canberra’s identity as a diverse and inclusive city, noting that the festival remains the largest cultural event in the region. The opening included a showcase of European live music and interactive cultural activities, marking the start of a significant weekend for the ACT Government’s community engagement efforts.

Government Oversight and the Festival Parade

Following the morning session, government officials are scheduled to oversee the festival’s center-piece: the spectacular Festival Parade. Set to begin at 4:00 pm today, the parade will travel from the corner of London Circuit and Akuna Street into Glebe Park. The ACT Government has deployed additional resources to manage the crowds, with local ministers expected to attend the showcase of over 170 multicultural communities.

To support the massive influx of visitors to the CBD, the ACT Government has also implemented a free public transport initiative. Light rail and bus services throughout Canberra are free of charge starting from late Saturday afternoon to ensure safe and accessible travel for families attending the evening performances and cultural workshops.

Legislative Assembly Recess and Policy Priorities

While the Chief Minister and cabinet members are active at official public functions today, the ACT Legislative Assembly remains in recess following its first sitting week of 2026, which concluded on February 5. During the recent sessions, the government confirmed its primary legislative focus for the first half of the year will remain on the 'missing middle' housing reforms and the modernization of local bail laws.

The Assembly is not scheduled to return to formal sessions until Tuesday, 24 February. In the interim, today’s festival activities serve as the primary official engagement for the territory’s leadership. Ministers have indicated that the success of this year’s festival will be used to gauge future infrastructure needs for the city's expanding events calendar.

Public Safety and Fire Warnings

Despite the festive atmosphere, the ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA) has maintained a high state of vigilance. The Total Fire Ban that was in place throughout Thursday and Friday has formally expired; however, government officials have urged residents to remain cautious as temperatures remain high. Public barbecue facilities in several urban parks remain under modified operation today as a safety precaution while the city celebrates its diverse heritage.