The government of San Miguel de Allende is considering granting a loan for a historic building to Casa Europa, with the aim of providing the European community with an institutional headquarters in the municipality once again and offering ambassadors from European Union countries a workspace during their visits.
Mayor Mauricio Trejo explained that the house holds significant historical value for the country, as San Miguel was one of the key locations in the Mexican War of Independence.
He noted that the conviction to build a nation with its own identity was solidified in this city, and that the protagonists of that process were from the region.
Mauricio Trejo recalled that San Miguel de Allende is named in honor of Ignacio Allende, who was born in this city and is considered a central figure in the independence movement.
He indicated that this year the municipality celebrates 200 years since being proclaimed a city, an event that occurred when the then-President of the Republic, Guadalupe Victoria, formally recognized Allende’s contribution and changed the name from Villa de San Miguel el Grande to Ciudad de San Miguel de Allende.
Trejo pointed out that the property they seek to grant on loan would allow them to combine its historical significance with a contemporary use linked to international cooperation. “We are working hard and we will succeed so that this house can be handed over to Casa Europa,” he stated during his address.
The mayor explained that since 2013 there has been a goal of having European Union ambassadors have an office in San Miguel de Allende, where they can carry out work activities and assist their fellow citizens residing there.
“The idea is for the ambassadors to have an office here, where they can work in San Miguel de Allende and, at the same time, dedicate time to European residents,” he affirmed.
During the meeting, it was mentioned that the European community lost the space that formerly served as Casa Europa, leaving residents and diplomatic missions without an institutional point of reference.
Unlike other foreign communities that have offices or community spaces, the European community currently lacks a building with these characteristics.
The project envisions Casa Europa using the building for meetings with ambassadors, gatherings with students, informational talks, and cultural activities.
Trejo pointed out that this type of space facilitates the dissemination of educational programs, such as scholarships offered by European countries, and allows for direct dialogue on topics such as education, tourism, security, and cultural cooperation.
The mayor indicated that coordination between the municipal and federal governments is necessary to finalize the transfer of the building, and he expressed confidence that there is institutional will to move forward with the process.
He added that the intention is for Casa Europa to operate in a historic building, maintaining the cultural use of the space and promoting the continuity of activities related to international exchange.
Finally, Trejo called on the community and the authorities involved to support the project so that it can be completed this year, and reiterated that the goal is for San Miguel de Allende to continue being a meeting point for cultural dialogue and cooperation between Mexico and Europe.
Source: oem
