EU Delegation to China hosts reception to celebrate the 50th anniversary of EU-China relations and Europe Day
On 6 May, the Delegation of the European Union to China hosted at its premises a reception to mark the 50th anniversary of EU-China relations and to celebrate Europe Day (9th May). More than 1000 guests from Chinese authorities, the diplomatic community in Beijing, and other partners attended the event.
The EU Ambassador to China Jorge Toledo hosted the event and welcomed Vice Foreign Minister Hua Chunying. In his welcoming address, Ambassador Toledo noted that over the past 50 years, not only the European Union and China have undergone profound transformations, the EU-China relationship has matured into one of the most important and multifaceted bilateral relations in the world. Ambassador Toledo stressed that the EU and China need to take this anniversary as an opportunity to rebalance the relationship. On the 75th anniversary of Schuman Declaration, presented on 9 May 1950, Ambassador Toledo reminded that the European Union continues to be strongly committed to peace, partnership, universal human rights, international cooperation and a global order based on international law with the UN at its core.
The reception was also an opportunity to showcase the EU’s cultural diversity, thanks to the participation of EU Member States that displayed their traditions, tourism destinations, and other unique features. Following a commemorative performance on the EU-China cultural dialogues, the Embassies of Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia and Italy in Beijing also presented several music performances. At a “GI pavilion”, guests were invited to taste some beverages and food products covered by the EU-China Agreement on protection of geographical indications.
This Europe Day's reception received the support of the European Investment Bank, The European Automobile Manufacturers Association, Foreign Spirits producers Association, DP Group – a wine making family, Budweiser China, Pernod Ricard China, BMW, MOVEON coffee shop, Beijing Vandergeeten, and the EU Spouses Circle.
European Union, 2025
European Union, 2025
European Union, 2025
More information:
Read the speech delivered by the EU Ambassador to China Jorge Toledo at the reception