EU Ambassadors visit Derry for talks on strengthening regional links

The European Union Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Mr Pedro Serrano was welcomed to the Guildhall during an official visit to Derry this week.

Ambassador Serrano was joined by a delegation of senior diplomats including Lisa Hemmer, Political Counsellor at the EU Delegation in London (EU–UK Relations), as well as the Ambassadors of Romania, Belgium, Bulgaria, Estonia, and Finland.

The visit formed part of a wider engagement with civic and business leaders to gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges currently facing the North West economy. Roundtable discussions at the Guildhall explored issues such as market access, skills development, investment prospects, and how to strengthen business and trade links between the North West City Region and the European Union.

Speaking after the event, The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairí McHugh said he was delighted to host the delegation: “It was fantastic to welcome Mr Pedro Serrano and the team of ambassadors to the Guildhall this week and to engage in such important discussions about the business and investment landscape here in the North West. We have great opportunities for growth and development, but there are also significant challenges facing our region – from trading conditions and supply chains to skills and infrastructure.

“This visit was an opportunity to showcase our progress while also highlighting the areas where continued collaboration with our European partners is vital. I’d like to sincerely thank the delegation for their time and interest in our city and district, and I hope they enjoyed their visit to Derry.”

Council officials attending the meeting included Stephen Gillespie, Director of Business and Culture, Rosalind Young, Investment Manager, and Jennifer Archer from The Executive Office. Following the roundtable discussions, the delegation took part in a guided walking tour of the historic City Walls, Guildhall, and iconic Peace Bridge, concluding their visit at Ebrington Square to view the wider regeneration of the site.

PICTURED ABOVE: Mr  Pedro Serrano, European Union Ambassador to the United Kingdom, third from right, and fellow European Ambassadors on the Peace Bridge during a visit to Derry. Included, from left, are Lisa Hemmer (Political Counsellor at the EU Delegation in London, EU-UK Relations), Ambassador Tihomir Stoytchev, (Bulgaria), Ambassador Sven Sakkov, (Estonia),  Ambassador Laura Popescu, (Romania) and Adam Goodall, Derry City and Strabane District Council Business team.