Is London in Europe? Here’s The Full Answer by Two Locals

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Is London in Europe? If you’re wondering whether London is in Europe, in the UK, or in the European Union or all at once, we’ve got you covered!

While traveling to romantic destinations, we’ve now moved to London and have been living here for months. Since we both grew up as European citizens, we know the differences between Europe and the EU, what they mean and their consequences. We also both studied law so we have a good understanding of Brexit and what it means for London and the UK.

Questions like “is London on the European continent?” or “Is Canada in the USA“, or “Is France a country or a continent?”, “what region is Oklahoma is?” or “what’s London postal codes?” are normal to have especially when it’s not your culture or when you live far away. Certain questions can be complex with hints of political debates so we’re happy to come and fill in the gaps! 

Based on our experience of living in London but also in the EU and abroad, we wanted to provide you with everything you need to know when it comes to answering “ Is London in Europe or UK or EU?”.

Is London in Europe?

Yes, London is in Europe. It’s important to understand the distinction between Europe as a geographical entity and the European Union as a political alliance. It’s also important to look at similarities between England’s history and mainland Europe’s history.

Is London a European country?

While the relationship between the UK and the EU has undergone changes due to Brexit, London, the largest city in Europe, remains part of the continent of Europe. London is specifically situated within England, which is a constituent country of the United Kingdom (UK). The UK, geographically speaking, sits on the tectonic plates that make up continental Europe. As European citizens living in London City, we can confirm that while the UK has exited the EU, London remains in Europe. So to the questions “is London part of Europe”, the answer is definitely yes!

London’s culture and history

In addition to the official response as stated above, we can also see that London is in Europe due to how it’s built. Beyond the London Eye and the Royal observatory, London has many world heritage sites along with historical buildings like Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge. These look very European and are similar to the type of buildings and architecture you’d find in Paris.

In addition, the British Empire’s history is very European in that it conquered other pieces of land abroad which in history is something European countries would do. Another example would be France conquering parts of Africa. 

These can also be indications that London is in Europe in contrary to Australia. 

Is a trip to London romantic?

Absolutely! A trip to London can be incredibly romantic, offering a variety of activities and experiences for couples to enjoy. From exploring the city’s cultural landmarks to indulging in cozy escapes, London has something to offer every romantic duo. Imagine strolling hand in hand through charming streets, admiring the blooming cherry blossoms during the vibrant spring season. You can also plan a romantic picnic in one of the city’s picturesque parks, such as Kensington Park or the serene Kyoto Gardens.

London is brimming with unique and cute date ideas from morning to night. Start your morning with breakfast at a London cat cafe, where you can enjoy a delightful meal while surrounded by adorable feline friends. For an extra dose of cuteness, you can even try a yoga session with puppies to kick-start your day together. As a couple, we have personally loved living in London and have had the pleasure of experiencing a range of unforgettable moments since we moved here.

Is London in Europe: London is in which country?

In what country is London is a question that comes up often outside of Europe. Europe can get confusing as not all European countries are in the EU. Also the EU is not a country which can confuse Americans as the USA are similar to Europe and are a country.

London is the capital city of England, one of the constituent countries that form the United Kingdom (UK). The UK is a sovereign state comprising four countries: England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales. London is located in the southeast region of Great Britain, which includes England, Scotland, and Wales. It is in close proximity to Dover, a major transportation hub with ferry services connecting the UK to France. The first time I (Marie) came to London, it was actually by ferry from France!

As a bustling capital, London is known as a global financial center and is often referred to as “The Big Smoke” due to its historical association with the industrial era. Some even liken it to the “New York of Europe” because of its vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Is London in the EU?

No, London is no longer in the EU. It’s important to distinguish between Europe as a geographical designation and the European Union as a political entity. While London is geographically located in Europe, it is not part of the European Union. 

Is London part of the EU is a common question due to Brexit. The UK officially left the EU on 31 January 2020, in an event known as Brexit. Since then, London is no longer within the EU. Due to that, the right spelling is London UK and not London EU.

Since we moved to London post-Brexit, we didn’t benefit from the freedom of movement under EU laws and had to come to London on a visa. 

What did Brexit change for London?

Our experience of Brexit in London

Based on our experience, the main change brought about by Brexit is the impact on foreigners who wish to work and live in London, particularly those from EU countries. Individuals who were previously able to move freely between EU countries and London now need to obtain a visa or secure settled or pre-settled status if they were residing in the EU before Brexit. Most visas available are skilled worker visas, especially for those without previous ties to England.

Certain companies had to leave London and settled in either Dublin in the Republic of Ireland or Luxembourg or Paris to continue their business.

Other implications of Brexit for London 

There have been other implications of Brexit as well. 

Politically, it led to the resignation of the then-Prime Minister David Cameron and the appointment of a new Prime Minister, Theresa May, who led the negotiations for the UK’s departure from the EU. 

Economically, there has been a degree of uncertainty and volatility, with a fall in the value of the pound and concerns about trade and investment. 

Socially, discussions have focused on immigration policy, freedom of movement, and national identity, particularly in relation to Ireland and Northern Ireland, which have historical agreements originating from the civil war. There was ongoing debate about maintaining these agreements while also addressing the end of freedom of movement as an EU right and it was unsure at the time how the debates were going to end. These conversation about the agreements between Northern Ireland and Ireland were quite sensitive. At the time we were living in Dublin and could tell people were affected by the uncertainty and the history coming up to the surface in people’s minds.

Where is London in Europe map

Where is London on the map of Europe? London is located in the United Kingdom (UK), which is an island situated north of France. When you look at a map of Europe, you’ll find London positioned in the southeastern part of England. It sits along the banks of the River Thames, which runs through the city and divides it into North London and South London. When we moved here we couldn’t actually believe how big the Thames is. It definitely is very large and kind of makes it feel like we are by the sea!

Being in close proximity to the English Channel, London is just a short train ride away from continental Europe, making it convenient for day trips or even longer visits. In fact, you can easily reach London from France via the Eurostar train in the English Channel Tunnel, which provides a direct connection between the two countries.

What is the Capital City of London?

London is not a country itself, but rather the capital city of England. Cities, including London, do not have their own capitals, as the concept of a capital typically applies to countries. However, London holds the distinction of being the largest and most populous city in the UK, serving as the economic, cultural, and political center of England.

Is England part of the EU?

England, along with the rest of the UK, was a member of the European Union (EU) for a considerable period of time. The UK initially joined the European Communities (EC), which later evolved into the EU, in 1973. 

However, a referendum was held in the UK in 2016, where over 51% of voters chose to leave the EU. This decision led to the official departure of the UK from the EU on January 31, 2020, which is commonly referred to as Brexit. The term “Brexit” is a combination of “Britain” and “exit” and signifies the UK’s exit from the European Union. 

Prior to the actual exit, there was a transition period until January 1, 2021, during which arrangements were made to ensure continuity in various aspects, such as business operations and regulations.

You can learn more about current relationships between EU and UK here.

Is England a Country?

Yes, England is indeed a country. It is an island nation located within the sovereign country of the United Kingdom (UK). As you may already know, the capital city of England is London. 

However, it’s important to note that the UK operates differently from the United States. While the USA is a federal state with different levels of government at both the state and federal levels, the UK follows a constitutional monarchy system. This means that there is a king or queen as the head of state, but the executive power is exercised by the prime minister. As of 2023, the prime minister of the UK is The Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP, who leads the government with the support of the Cabinet and ministers. 

On 6 May 2023, King Charles was crowned at Westminster Abbey. Lucky enough, we woke up at 5am to join Whitehall, the large avenue in front of the Horse Guard and got to see the procession. We saw King Charles, Camilla, William, Kate and the King along with the rest of the procession. It was quite the experience. But in good English fashion, it rained the whole time, except when the procession passed us!

Devolution was introduced by the Labour government in 1999, granting Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland their own local parliaments. However, England does not have its own parliament. Instead, it is governed by the UK parliament and government. Despite being part of the UK, England has its own national symbols and even a different national animal, setting it apart from the rest of the United Kingdom.

Is England a part of Europe?

Is England part of Europe? Yes, England is part of Europe. Europe is a geographical location so leaving the EU, which is a political decision, had no consequence on England’s geographical position. 

To leave Europe, England would need to see the tectonic plates move enough to bring it on a different continent which is unlikely as of today.

Europe London Timezone

London, being in Europe, operates on the Greenwich Mean Timezone (GMT). In fact, if you visit Greenwich Park, you can see the Prime Meridian Line, which marks the starting point of longitude and divides the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. Standing atop the hill in Greenwich Park, you’ll not only witness this significant line but also enjoy a breathtaking 180-degree view of the city of London.

We love going to Greenwich park. It’s quite the steep walk all the way to the Meridian Line but well worth it! You’ll have to purchase tickets to the observatory to access the line but you can see it for free from the doors at the top of the hill. We were able to see it recently so here’s a photo of it. 

Is the UK considered Europe?

You may be wondering is the UK still part of Europe after Brexit? The answer is yes. Let’s see why.

When it comes to the United Kingdom’s status in Europe, it’s important to differentiate between the European Union (EU) and the geographical position of Europe. In 2016, the UK held a referendum where the majority voted to leave the EU, which is a political alliance in Europe. 

However, in terms of geography, the UK remains part of the European continent. The position of a country on the continent is determined by geographical factors, such as tectonic plate boundaries, which do not change unless there is significant movement. As of now, the tectonic plates have not shifted enough to alter the location of the UK, so it continues to be considered part of Europe.

When did the UK Leave the EU?

Yes, London is indeed in Europe, although it officially left the European Union (EU) on January 31st, 2020. After the UK held a referendum in 2016, where the majority voted to leave the EU, a process known as Brexit began. It took approximately four years for the UK to complete the necessary negotiations and procedures to officially separate from the European Union. As a result, London, being the capital city of the UK, is no longer part of the EU. However, it remains geographically located in Europe, maintaining its cultural and economic ties with the continent.

Where is London on the map of Europe

Here’s a map of where London is in Europe:

London population

The Greater London area spans approximately 607 square miles and is home to a diverse and vibrant population. The population of Greater London counts about 9.6 million people, which makes London a truly cosmopolitan city. It attracts individuals from all walks of life and from various corners of the globe. 

You’ll encounter a wonderful mix of cultures and backgrounds, with residents hailing from Asian, Indian, French, Portuguese, American, Spanish, Israeli, Arabic, and many other communities. This diversity contributes to the city’s rich tapestry of languages, cuisines, traditions, and experiences. With Eric, we sometimes say when we sit on the tube that if we didn’t know where we were, we wouldn’t be able to tell because everybody looks so different. And we love it! It’s amazing to be exposed to so many cultures at once!

If you’re interested in exploring more detailed information about London’s population, you can visit the official website of the Mayor of London, where they provide comprehensive data and insights.

Is London in Europe FAQ

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