The role of EU citizens in British society after Brexit
As part of the Common Ground project coordinated by Fondazione Giacomo Brodolini, the Common Ground conference and the third annual EU Citizens' Gathering are taking place in London, UK, on 11 and 12 November 2024.
The3million Ltd and British Future are partners in the Common Ground project, which is co-funded by the European Union with the goal of fostering a more positive relationship between the UK and the EU after Brexit, supporting communities of EU citizens in the UK by building connections, celebrating a shared European identity and promoting knowledge-sharing.
The Common Ground conference (at Broadway House, Tothill Street Westminster, London, from 10.00 AM to 5.00 PM), will explore how community organising can strengthen EU Citizens' networks, increase their influence in British society, and invite UK politicians to discuss policy proposals.
The event will bring together EU citizens' civic society organisations and campaigners to reflect on Common Ground project activities, share knowledge, best practice and lived experience. During the conference, "we will collectively brainstorm our priorities for UK-EU cooperation and sustainability actions and take time to focus on sharing stories through artistic expression, enjoying the Stories of Hope exhibition" explains Sara Giorgio, project manager for FGB.
The EU Citizens' Gathering on 12 November, also taking place in London (at Congress Centre, 28 Great Russell St, London WC1B 3LS, from 09.00 AM to 5.00 PM), represents a unique space for EU citizens, community groups and policy makers to connect, design new initiatives and strengthening the EU-UK relationship.
Now in its third edition, the event is organised by the European Union Delegation to the United Kingdom and will celebrate the contributions of the EU citizens to British society and their pivotal role. According to the latest statistics released by the Home Office on the EU settlement scheme, 5.7 million EU citizens and their family members call the UK their home.
The EU Citizens' Gathering will also mark the launch of the first ever EmpowerEU Awards, aimed at honouring organisations that have developed outstanding projects and initiatives to support EU citizens, strengthen EU-UK relations, foster youth cooperation, and community champions who have made a lasting impact at the local level.
"EU citizens have enriched the UK's cultural and social fabric" said Pedro Serrano, EU Ambassador to the UK, who highlighted the significance of the initiative. "The EmpowerEU Awards celebrate their invaluable contributions and projects that underscore our shared commitment to a stronger EU-UK relations. We warmly congratulate all EmpowerEU Awards shortlisted nominees".
The winners of the EmpowerEU Awards will be announced at the conclusion of the EU Citizens' Gathering, closing a day of insightful discussions on how to strengthen the UK-EU relationship.
