Around 150 Europe-active citizens of Bonn attended the European Annual Reception at the Old Town Hall on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. Deputy Mayor Dr. Ursula Sautter welcomed the many representatives of Europe-committed organizations in the "front parlor" of the City of Bonn. She thanked the people of Bonn for their great commitment to friendly coexistence in Europe: "A united, peaceful Europe is also a matter close to our hearts," said the Deputy Mayor. "Together - I am sure - we can move a lot and make an important contribution to European integration on a civic level". 

Likewise, Patrick Lobis, interim head of the European Commission's regional representation in Bonn, addressed the guests.

Prof. Dr. Ludger Kühnhardt, Director at the Center for European Integration Studies (ZEI) of the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, gave a keynote speech entitled "Europe's Security and the Future of Ukraine". 

Finally, Axel Voss, MEP and Chairman of the association Europa-Union Bonn/Rhein-Sieg, addressed the participants with closing remarks. 

Afterwards, the guests exchanged views on current European topics over snacks and drinks and took the opportunity to exchange ideas and network. Especially after the break of several years due to the Corona pandemic, visitors were happy about the opportunity to talk to each other in person again and meet likeminded guests at the European Annual Reception. 

The invitation was extended by the City of Bonn in cooperation with the Regional Representation of the European Commission in Bonn and the association Europa-Union Bonn/Rhein-Sieg.