The European Union Songbook Association will unveil the EU Songbook on November 5, featuring 164 songs from across the European Union. The collection includes three iconic tracks by

renowned Belgian singer and composer Jacques Brel.

The initiative aims to foster cultural exchange across Europe. Over 100 European music organizations and conservatories collaborated to create the songbook, with song selections determined through a public voting process that took place from 2015 to 2024 among citizens of the EU's 27 member states.

“With the EU Songbook, we hope to connect the 27 countries of the European Union,” said Jeppe Marsling, founder of the European Union Songbook Association. “It’s designed for everyone who loves to sing, whether at gatherings within the EU or beyond.”

Belgian contributions to the songbook include “Ne me quitte pas,” “Mijn Vlakke Land,” and “Bruxelles” by Jacques Brel, along with “Ik hou van u” by Noordkaap, “Dominique” by Soeur Sourire, and “Vrolijke vrienden” by Bob Davidse. Stijn Meuris, lead singer of Noordkaap, has translated the Dutch-language songs into singable English versions.

Both the songbook and an accompanying app are available across the EU, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The app, which features all 164 songs along with links to YouTube performances, is free to download. Photo by Joop van Bilsen / Anefo, Wikimedia commons.