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Liverpool has welcomed dozens of EU ambassadors, state consul-generals and other dignitaries in a drive to become the UK’s most Europe-facing city region.
It follows an invitation to the EU27 Ambassadors by the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Richard Kemp, supported by Council Leader, Cllr Liam Robinson and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to mark Europe Day in the city.
Mayor Steve Rotheram, EU Ambassador to the UK – Pedro Serrano, Lord Mayor of Liverpool Richard Kemp and Liverpool City Council Leader Liam Robinson.
Europe Day is celebrated across Europe on May 9 each year to commemorate the Schuman Declaration, which is considered the founding act of the European Union.
The event was a significant opportunity for Liverpool and the Liverpool City Region to strengthen its ties with EU nations, promote Liverpool as a leading Core City in international relations, and highlight UK Plc in a post-Brexit context.
It showcased Liverpool’s strengths in sectors including health and life sciences, creative and digital, advanced manufacturing, maritime and freeport, and net zero.
The guests included 12 Ambassadors, eight Consul-Generals; nine Cultural Directors and Attaches; 12 EU27 Trade Councillors and Senior Chamber Officials; eight Honorary Consuls.
A series of seminars took place, hosted by partner organisations including Liverpool John Moores University and the University of Liverpool, Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, Liverpool BID Company and the Liverpool City Region Culture Network, as well as support from National Museums Liverpool.
The city aims to leverage the rich historical & cultural ties that Liverpool shares with Europe, and Europe with Liverpool, promoting opportunities for cultural and knowledge exchange, education, business and trade, inward investment and innovation.
It also saw the launch of the Liverpool European Festival, independently organised and hosted by the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland, Piotr Wilczek, Lord Mayor Cllr Richard Kemp OBE, and Merseyside Polonia.
Liverpool City Region Mayor, Steve Rotheram, said:
“Liverpool is once again stepping onto the world stage – not just as a capital of culture, but of commerce, innovation and sustainability.
“At a time when so many are turning inwards, we’re choosing to reach out – with our arms wide open to global partnership, progress and opportunity.
“Europe Day is a powerful reminder of our international spirit and the vital role we can play in shaping a more open, connected future.”
Council Leader, Cllr Liam Robinson, said:
“Liverpool has always been a proud European city, with rich European heritage and continental relationships, and I am delighted to welcome so many EU dignitaries to our city.
“European Capital of Culture in 2008 and showcased our artistic spirit and cultural diversity, whilst Eurovision 2023 exemplified our role as a place committed to a shared future with Europe.
“Bursting with imagination and pride, Liverpool is a city of firsts and a place of pioneers.
“We want to become the most Europe-facing city in the UK, and the most welcoming, and the discussions we are holding today are the first step in achieving our ambition.”
Lord Mayor, Cllr Richard Kemp, said:
“Liverpool has always been proud of its relationship with the European Union and in 2020 the Council voted to deepen its relationship with our closest neighbours.
“Liverpool Welcomes Europe will strengthen our relations and will lead to joint employment, educational and cultural work which will benefit both our city and Europe.”
His Excellency Pedro Serrano, EU Ambassador to the UK, said:
“I am thrilled to be in Liverpool with many ambassadors from countries of the European Union to celebrate the economic, cultural and educational ties that bind Liverpool and the EU.
“This is the first time that that we will mark Europe Day outside of the capital, a testament to the pivotal role that cities like Liverpool play in fostering growth, innovation and friendship between our citizens.
“The EU itself is more than a community of nations, but also of cities and regions, and we look forward to fostering the ties between the EU and this region, in particular in view of the 19 May EU-United Kingdom Summit.”
