Warsaw-Brussels: Europe and Arabs
On the evening of January 3, Prime Minister Donald Tusk, accompanied by European Council President António Costa, took part in the official ceremony marking the inauguration of Poland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union. During the ceremony, which took place at the Wielkie Theatre – the Polish National Opera, Radzimir Dębski, known as Dzimek, who is famous for his creative arrangements, performed a piece of music he composed especially for the occasion.
The ceremony began with a speech by Prime Minister Tusk, in which he stressed the importance of Poland’s leadership of the Council of the European Union and outlined the main priorities of the presidency in the coming months. According to the website of the Polish Presidency of the Union,
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said: "Europe is lucky that Poland will fulfill the mandate of the Presidency at this very difficult moment in our history. We in Poland know very well that we must find within ourselves the strength, faith and hope. We must rediscover the meaning of freedom and the essence of what Europe really stands for.
For his part, the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, pointed to the importance of the 2004 enlargement for the European Union. Poland is certainly one of the greatest success stories of enlargement, and the best geostrategic investment that Europe has made to secure freedom and democracy after long periods of authoritarianism.
Opening ceremony at the Polish National Opera
The opening ceremony of Poland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union was held in a place steeped in Polish history, the Wielkie Theatre - the Polish National Opera. The building, designed by Antonio Corazzi and built between 1825 and 1833, is a magnificent example of neoclassical architecture, rebuilt after the destruction of World War II. Its theatre, once the largest in the world, is now second only to The Beijing Opera House, remains one of the largest theatres in the world.

During the evening, attendees enjoyed musical masterpieces performed by the Polish National Opera Orchestra and Chorus, under the baton of composer and conductor Radzimir Dębski.

The concert programme highlighted the works of famous Polish composers, showcasing the richness of the country’s musical heritage.