Welcome words by EU Ambassador Salovaara

Today, the European Union and the United Kingdom are entering a new chapter. The Strategic Partnership launched at the 2025 EU-UK Summit reflects our shared determination to build a closer relationship. Recent steps, including the UK's association to Erasmus+ and its participation in the EU's Ukraine support loan, show what we can achieve when we work together. They reflect common priorities: creating opportunities for young people, standing firmly in support of Ukraine, and strengthening the resilience of our democracies and economies in an increasingly challenging global environment.

My priority will be to help advance cooperation across the full breadth of our shared interests. This includes deepening collaboration in areas such as trade, agri-food cooperation, emissions trading, electricity, youth opportunities, and our security and defence partnership.

EU

The United Kingdom, with its strong democratic traditions, vibrant public life, global outlook and world-class institutions, is an important partner for the European Union. I look forward to engaging with stakeholders across all parts of the country, and to listening to the many voices that shape this relationship, including the millions of EU citizens who continue to make an invaluable contribution to British society.