Opening the EU Citizens' Gathering, EU Ambassador Pedro Serrano reaffirmed that people remain at the heart of the EU–UK relationship. 

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“The EU Citizens’ Gathering, celebrates the invaluable contributions that millions of EU citizens are making to the social, economic, and cultural fabric of British society. The event is an opportunity to reflect on the deep, historic and lasting bonds between EU citizens and UK communities —bonds based on shared values, mutual respect, and a future built on cooperation.”

Ambassador Serrano

The Ambassador's message was echoed by Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, who highlighted the vital contributions EU citizens make to the city’s economic strength, social cohesion, and cultural vibrancy. 

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Ambassadors representing EU Member States of Slovakia and Bulgaria, the High Commissioners of Cyprus and Malta, and the Deputy Ambassadors of Italy and Austria shared insights on building stronger communities and protecting EU citizens’ rights in the UK.

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We were also honoured to be joined by EU Commissioner for Justice Michael McGrath, who spoke on the current situation of EU citizens in the UK and the enduring importance of people-to-people contacts and youth mobility.

A day of exchange

The days discussions opened with a panel featuring Ambassador Serrano, Lord Kirkhope, Bulgarian Ambassador Tihomir Stoytchev, and European Movement UK Deputy CEO Emma Knaggs. 

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They discussed the EU-UK relationship after the May 19th summit and the way forward. Further panels featured contributions from the European Economic & Social Committee, the3million, SAFE Alliance Scotland, Independent Monitoring Authority, Settled, EP Liaison Office UK, and many more..these discussions focused on rights, representation, and how to reshape the narrative around migration and EU citizens in the UK.

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From there the afternoon programme continued into a schedule of workshops - all running simultaneously. 

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Separate groups broke off to cover pressing issues such as:

-Supporting organisations helping citizens with the EU Settlement Scheme
-Fundraising opportunities
-Strengthening EU citizens' networks
-Enhancing youth mobility
-Tackling racism and promoting inclusion
- Well-being of EU citizens

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A sincere thank you to our energetic moderator Emma Nelson as well as our workshop moderators from Civil Society Alliance, European Movement UK, Connects UK, Young European Movement, Europia, Polish East European Centre, Black Europeans and Roma Support Group.

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In her closing remarks, European Parliament Vice-President Katarina Barley summed up the spirit of the day: 

 “I am grateful to participate in the EU Citizens’ Gathering to pay tribute to the millions of EU nationals who have made the UK their home and contribute daily to its society, economy, and culture. At this time of resetting EU-UK relations, our dialogue is crucial to strengthen our shared values.”

European Parliament Vice-President Katarina Barley

Huge thanks to Duncan Ivison, President of The University of Manchester for his closing remarks and the University for hosting the 2025 #EUCitizensGathering.  And our special thanks to the EU Consular Network association in Manchester and the Consulates of Hungary, Romania and Spain for their support in making this event a success.

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This year’s #EUcitizensGathering reaffirmed our shared commitment to ensuring that EU citizens in the UK feel informed, empowered, and supported—today and in the future. A big thank you to all who joined us in Manchester - home to 350.000 EU citizens!

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More information, including the full agenda, speaker bios, photos and videos from the #EUCitizensGathering are available on our content hub: https://eu-citizens-gathering-2025.webflow.io/