Liverpool has embarked on a mission to establish itself as the most Europe-facing city in the UK by hosting numerous EU ambassadors, state consul-generals, and other dignitaries. The initiative began with an invitation from the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Richard Kemp, supported by Council Leader, Cllr Liam Robinson, and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to commemorate Europe Day in the city. Europe Day, an annual celebration on 9 May across Europe, marks the Schuman Declaration, regarded as the founding act of the European Union.
This gathering presented a significant opportunity for Liverpool and the Liverpool City Region to enhance their relationships with EU nations, position Liverpool as a key Core City in international interactions, and emphasize the UK’s position post-Brexit. The event highlighted Liverpool’s expertise in various sectors such as health and life sciences, creative and digital industries, advanced manufacturing, maritime and freeport activities, and achieving net zero emissions. The distinguished guests included 12 Ambassadors, eight Consul-Generals, nine Cultural Directors and Attaches, 12 EU27 Trade Councillors and Senior Chamber Officials, and eight Honorary Consuls.
A range of seminars were conducted in collaboration with partner organizations like LJMU, the University of Liverpool, Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, Liverpool BID Company, the Liverpool City Region Culture Network, and received support from National Museums Liverpool. The goal is to harness the deep historical and cultural bonds between Liverpool and Europe to promote cultural and knowledge exchange, educational opportunities, business growth, trade activities, attracting foreign investments, and encouraging innovation. Additionally, the launch of the Liverpool European Festival, independently organized by the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland, Piotr Wilczek, Lord Mayor Cllr Richard Kemp OBE, and Merseyside Polonia, was a significant highlight of the event.
Liverpool’s Council Leader, Cllr Liam Robinson, expressed pride in the city’s rich European heritage and relationships, aiming to position Liverpool as the most Europe-facing and welcoming city in the UK. Liverpool City Region Mayor, Steve Rotheram, emphasized Liverpool’s global presence as a hub of culture, commerce, innovation, and sustainability. Recognizing Liverpool’s historical ties with the European Union, Lord Mayor, Cllr Richard Kemp, highlighted the benefits of strengthening relations for joint endeavors in employment, education, and culture. His Excellency Pedro Serrano, EU Ambassador to the UK, shared his enthusiasm for celebrating the economic, cultural, and educational bonds between Liverpool and the EU, underscoring the role of cities like Liverpool in fostering growth, innovation, and camaraderie among citizens, particularly with the upcoming EU-United Kingdom Summit on 19 May
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