The official inauguration ceremony of the Romanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union took place yesterday, 24th of January, in Brussels and was marked by a classical music concert of the Romanian Youth Orchestra. The concert was hosted by BOZAR, the most prestigious cultural institution in the capital of Belgium.
The inaugural event took place in the presence of the Minister of Culture and National Identity, Valer-Daniel Breaz, and other ministers and members of the Romanian Government, together with representatives of the European Commission the European Parliament, the European External Action Service, the Committee of the Regions, The General Secretariat of the EU Council, Romanian MEPs, representatives of the diplomatic corps in Brussels and Romanian officials from the European institutions.
In his speech, the Minister of Culture and National Identity, Valer-Daniel Breaz, referred to the official launch of the Romanian Presidency at the Council of the European Union, 24th of January, a symbolic date for the Romanians, namely, the 160th anniversary of the Union of the Romanian Principalities.
”For us, Romanians, the European Union is more than a political integration program. The European Union is an union of many souls who think and vibrate together as one. Our political aspirations to be part of the European family are based, first and foremost, on our common European culture. We are part of the great European family and we have never lost this identity in the difficult years that have passed since our modern state formed 100 years ago. In fact, our European identity has helped us face every challange and has guided us in this last century.
The innaugural event was organised by the Romanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Minister of Culture and National Identity Valer Daniel Breaz and BOZAR General Director, Paul Dujardin, held speeches.
Background information:
The Romanian Youth Orchestra – conductor Cristian Mandeal, soloist Anita Hartig – is one of the most appreciated Romanian cultural projects. Their repertoire included works by famous Romanian composers such as George Enescu, Theodor Rogalski, Grigoraș Dinicu, George Grigoriu or Eurgen Doga. More information about the Romanian Youth Orchestra, here: http://www.orchestratineret.ro/
BOZAR (Palais des Beaux-Arts) is the most emblematic cultural center of Brussels, which hosts internationally – acclaimed works of art at prestigious cultural events. More details here: https://www.bozar.be/en/activities/141145-romanian-youth-orchestra.
The calendar of events of the Romanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union is available here: https://www.romania2019.eu.