Dear representatives of the Sichuan Provincial Government, Chengdu City Government, local authorities, 

Dear Ambassadors of EU Member States in China,

Dear Consuls-General in Chengdu, Chongqing and Guangzhou,

Dear journalists and media partners,

Ladies, gentlemen, younger visitors, friends,

Good morning.

This year, the Chengdu City Government invited the European Union to be the guest of honour of the city’s annual festival “European Culture Season”. We feel deeply honoured to partner with this celebration of culture and co-host its opening ceremony. Today, we officially open Chengdu’s European Culture Season and the European Culture Street. Welcome!

Cultural diversity is at the very heart of the European Union's foundations and we remain committed to respect and protect every different culture. It is therefore a great pleasure to be here with you today to celebrate this treasured heritage. The European Union and its Member States are committed to support people-to-people exchanges and to promote mutual understanding between the people of the EU and China.

The European Culture Street is a fantastic example of the Team Europe spirit, where the EU Delegation and Member States’ Embassies, Consulates and cultural institutes come together to provide the Chinese people with a chance to experience our cultural diversity. Chengdu is the fourth city in China to host the European Culture Street after Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. The choice was easy, not least after last year we organised an EU ambassadors’ retreat in Chengdu; we knew we would be in good hands working with Sichuan and Chengdu authorities. 

Allow me to take this opportunity to thank the Sichuan provincial government, the Chengdu city government, other local authorities, and the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence and Centre for European Studies at Sichuan University for their support and assistance during the preparations of the European Culture Street. I would like to thank the participation of 120 very motivated students from Sichuan University, who have volunteered to assist the EU Member States and us today. 

Sichuan Province is renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty.  Chengdu, known for its relaxed atmosphere and high quality of life, has been recognized as one of the happiest cities in China. This is a wonderful meeting point between Chinese and European cultures.

Today, you can experience the vast diversity, talent and creativity of the 27 EU Member States, as we open a window into their traditional cuisine, music, dance, travel destinations, heritage, literature, paintings and other artistic expressions, sports culture, and other traditions. I also invite you to visit the booth of the network of “European Union National Institutes for Culture” (EUNIC) to learn more about our joint cultural projects.

Dear friends, 

As we celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations between the European Union and China in 2025, the theme of this year’s European Culture Street is “Dialogue.” But let me emphasize—this is not a dialogue confined to institutions or official channels. This event is for you—the people of Chengdu, Sichuan and China. The ties between the peoples of Europe and China run much deeper than these five decades of diplomatic relations. Today’s event is an opportunity to learn about the EU and to foster exchanges between European and Chinese people. 

Discovering each other’s culture helps to bring us closer. Cultural and people-to-people exchanges can contribute to the foundation of trust and understanding that will guide us in improving our bilateral relations, honouring commitments, addressing global challenges and seizing new opportunities. 

Ladies and gentlemen,

Dear visitors and guests,

Exploration awaits. I warmly invite you to visit the booths of each EU Member State to learn more about our different cultures. I am sure that you will enjoy this experience.

Xiexie. (Thank you.)