Liverpool Hope University is delighted to have been part of Liverpool Welcomes Europe 25, as the city hosted EU27 Ambassadors, Consul-Generals and others as part of its ambition to become the most Europe-facing city in the UK.
The event 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.
Europe Day is celebrated across Europe on 9 May each year to commemorate the Schuman Declaration, which is considered the founding act of the European Union.
This event has been 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.
This event represents a significant opportunity for Liverpool and wider 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. The city aims to leverage the rich historical and cultural ties that it shares with Europe, and Europe with Liverpool, promoting opportunities for cultural and knowledge exchange, education, business and trade, inward investment and innovation.
It showcased Liverpool’s strengths in sectors including health and life sciences, creative and digital, advanced manufacturing, maritime and freeport, and net zero.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Claire Ozanne addressed guests at the event, together with partner organisations including LJMU 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.
Professor Claire Ozanne said: “It was a privilege to represent Liverpool Hope University at this important event that brought together organisations and spokespeople representing Liverpool and Europe.
“We aim to work together with the Lord Mayor and other partners to strengthen our important links across the continent through opportunities in education and knowledge exchange, research innovations, and by nurturing a positive relationship amongst our students and the wider community.
Our international and European students enrich our learning environment and support cultural exchange right across the region, making this city a dynamic and welcoming place to live, study and work. Liverpool Hope values its European connections and is proud to support this initiative”.
The guests included 12 Ambassadors, eight Consul-Generals; nine Cultural Directors and Attaches; 12 EU27 Trade Councillors and Senior Chamber Officials; eight Honorary Consuls.
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.
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.”