At the initiative of the Consulate General in Chicago, this year for the first time Europe Day was celebrated with proclamations by the Governor of Illinois, J.B. Pritzker, and the Mayor of Chicago, Brandon Johnson. May 9, 2024, was declared as the Day of Friendship between the European Union and America, emphasizing that the EU and the USA stand side by side as friends and strategic partners on the international stage in defense of their shared values.

The culmination of the celebration was the illumination of the tallest building in Chicago, Willis Tower, in the colors of the EU – blue and gold. Consul General Svetoslav Stankov said: "As a Bulgarian, I am very grateful that since 2007 my Homeland has been part of Robert Schuman's vision for European community of free and prosperous nations in Europe. EU-US relations are stronger than ever because they are based on shared values - democracy, rule of law, and human rights. Long live Europe!"

Mr. Stankov is the local chair of the EU in Chicago during the Belgian presidency in 2024.