Celebration of Europe Day in Shanghai
11 May 2026 News
May 9 – Europe Day was celebrated in Shanghai with a meticulously organized event by the Consulates General of EU Member States on May 6, 2026, at the residence of the Consul General of Belgium. Approximately four hundred guests from all walks of life in the Yangtze River Delta region attended.
Bulgaria was represented with a booth where visitors could taste yogurt made with Bulgarian starter culture, discover Bulgarian cosmetic products containing rose oil, and learn about investment and tourism opportunities in the country.
On behalf of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU, the Ambassador of Cyprus to China, Ms. Koula Sophianou, addressed the event.
On May 9 itself, the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China (EUCCC) organized a celebration with the participation of managers of European companies in Shanghai, the Consuls General of EU Member States and representatives of Chinese local authorities.
In his speech to the forum, the President of EUCCC Shanghai, Carlo D’Andrea, noted that the EU is united in realizing its vision of openness, the rule of law, fairness, solidarity, and respect for human dignity. He acknowledged that European companies significantly contribute to China’s remarkable economic development through their investments, technology, expertise, industrial ethics, sustainability, standards, and long-term commitment. He called on the Chinese side to respond to these commitments by ensuring conditions that allow fair competition and development. He also expressed his expectation that the EU would outgrow its reactive approach toward China and begin to act with the necessary speed, unity, and a truly strategic and autonomous vision for the future.
The EU Ambassador to China, Jorge Toledo, delivered a video address to those present. In it, he emphasized that the EU’s strength lies in the predictability of its rules of action, clearly defined standards, and equal conditions for the development of all economic entities in EU Member States. He noted that European companies in Shanghai in the fields of automotive manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and smart manufacturing are proof that EU-China cooperation is successful when the Chinese side is open to cooperation. He highlighted the role of the European Commission, the Consulates General of EU Member States in Shanghai, and the chambers of commerce and industry of EU Member States in the megapolis, including EUCCC, in maintaining open channels of communication with local authorities in the Yangtze River Delta region, resolving disputes, and creating new opportunities for cooperation with Chinese partners.
On the occasion of Europe Day, EUCCC published messages from its board members and the Consuls General of EU Member States in Shanghai that can be seen at the link below:
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