The Gathering brought together civil society organizations, EU embassies, Academia, Members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, Members of the European Parliament and the European Economic and Social Committee as well as the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

With over 5 million EU citizens who have made the UK their home, the event set out to celebrate the invaluable contributions of EU citizens to British society and economy, present in every sector, from academia to healthcare, business to the Arts. Approximately 200 people attended the Gathering. 

In his opening welcome, Ambassador Serrano underlined that the EU Delegation continues to build bridges of understanding and cooperation and strengthen the networks of EU citizens in the UK. He reminded participants that EU citizens living in the UK will continue to be a political priority for the EU next year and in the years to come: “One of the EU’s most important strengths is that its whole is greater than the sum of its parts. I believe this to be also true for the EU citizens’ network. And this is why we will continue to work with you to continue empower EU communities in the UK”.

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In his keynote speech, Lord Ricketts, the Chair of the House of Lords’ European Affairs Committee highlighted the huge contribution of EU citizens in the UK.

In her keynote speech, Nathalie Loiseau, Chair of the European Parliament Delegation to the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly urged EU citizens to use their voice and vote in the European Parliament elections in June 2024.

In a subsequent panel discussion joined by Hilary Benn MP, Lord Hannay and MEP Tsvetelina Penkova, speakers set out just how EU citizens, together with British citizens, can help shape future EU-UK relations. Via video message, European Commission Executive Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič recalled that it is the people who are at the heart of the European project.

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The day continued with messages and presentations by the European External Action Service, the FCDO, the European Parliament, EUNIC, the Common Ground Project, the Migration Observatory as well as British Future.

Throughout the Gathering, several organisations shared their vision of the future of EU citizens’ network in the UK. New Europeans UK spoke about the importance of collaboration, the Sikorski Polish Club emphasised the role of community and cultural diaspora organisations in strengthening the network of EU citizens. The Migrant Democracy Project reminded everyone to register to vote while Black Europeans called out issues faced by ethnic minority EU citizens in the UK.

In the afternoon participants took part in a series of workshops that focused on EU’ citizens’ advocacy, recognition, voting rights and the promotion of Europe and national days. A Europe themed quiz with musical performances and questions on culture, art, fashion, as well as on citizens’ rights further added to the spirit of the day.

In the closing panel discussion, Stella Creasy MP, Wera Hobhouse MP and Cillian Lohan, Chair of the European Economic and Social Committee’s EU-UK Follow-up Committee discussed the role of EU citizens in British society and in shaping the future of the EU.

The day was concluded by EU Deputy Ambassador to the UK Nicole Mannion who stressed that the EU communities in the UK are at the heart of EU’s new relationship with the UK: “We have heard the challenges you have mentioned. We look forward to working with you, and most importantly, also for you.”

See also 'Celebrating contributions of EU citizens in the UK', an op-ed by EU Ambassador Pedro Serrano.