Liverpool’s international community celebrated an important new milestone on 7 July 2026 with the official inauguration of the Honorary Consulate of Romania in Liverpool at Liverpool Town Hall. The ceremony was conducted by HE Mrs Laura Popescu, Ambassador of Romania to the United Kingdom, who presented the Consular Commission to the newly appointed Honorary Consul, Mrs Cerasela Răducănescu. Among those attending were Peter Oliver OBE, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside; Councillor William Shortall, Lord Mayor of Liverpool; Nicoleta Teodorovici, Consul General of Romania in Manchester and President of the Manchester Consular Association; together with members of the Liverpool Consular Corps and representatives of Liverpool’s civic, academic, business and Romanian communities.
Speaking on behalf of the Liverpool Consular Corps, its President, Kai Hughes, welcomed the new Consulate and described its establishment as much more than simply the opening of another diplomatic office. He said that Romania’s decision to strengthen its representation in Liverpool was a tangible expression of confidence in Liverpool, the wider city region and its future, noting that countries establish consulates where they see opportunity, strong relationships and long-term potential. He also emphasised the important role played by consuls as the human face of international relations — supporting their citizens while promoting trade, investment, education, culture and friendship between nations.
The opening on 7 July 2026 also came at an important time for the Liverpool Consular Corps itself. In his remarks, the President highlighted the Corps’ ambition to become an increasingly active and collaborative organisation, working more closely with civic leaders, universities, businesses and cultural organisations to promote Liverpool internationally. As he observed, while each consul represents a nation, together the Liverpool Consular Corps represents the world. The arrival of the Romanian Honorary Consulate therefore adds another important voice to that international community and provides a further opportunity to strengthen the cultural, educational and economic links between Romania, Liverpool and the wider North West.