Talking Europe – A Festival of Europe

In an initiative to mark Europe Day 2024, the European Movement in Scotland has brought together an outstanding cast of speakers and organisations from Scotland, the UK and Europe to deliver a stimulating and important weekend of talks, analysis, debate and conversation. Events are being held at Summerhall, which describes itself as “a vibrant cultural village in the heart of Edinburgh. A place where things happen: all kinds of interesting, wonderful and downright inspiring things.” So, come along and be inspired.

The events – which are free– will discuss big issues at the heart of the UK’s current and future relations with the EU. The subject range includes Scotland’s place in Europe; peace and security; settlement and EU citizen employment rights; democracy and the citizen; EU enlargement; European Parliament elections and much more.

Hear speakers from a wide range of organisations, including:

• The European Movement in Scotland
• Citizens’ Rights Project
• New Europeans
• The universities of Edinburgh, Glasgow and St Andrews
• The Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies, European University Institute
• The Royal Society of Edinburgh
• Convention of Scottish Local Authorities
• Scottish Advisory Forum on Europe
• British Chambers of Commerce

There will also be social events.

The galleries of the Demarco European Foundation Exhibition at Summerhall will be open to visit during the Talking Europe weekend.

On display during the events:  “Brexiles” exhibition by artist and “EU Supergirl” Madeleina Kay. It features oil portraits depicting British citizens now living across the 27 EU member states who left the UK after Brexit, with excerpts from interviews with them alongside.

People attending any of the Talking Europe events will be able to use and visit the café and pub at Summerhall during the weekend:

• MF café, Saturday and Sunday, 9 am – 6 pm
• Royal Dick pub and courtyard bar, Saturday 12 noon – 1 am, Sunday 12 noon – midnight

Summerhall is one of Edinburgh’s leading visual arts destinations. Have a look round when you are at Talking Europe.

All events are free, but registration is required. Separate registration is required for each event.