België draagt EU-voorzitterschap over aan Hongarije (en)

Hungary took the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union from Belgium during a spectacular evening ceremony held in the presence of 270 guests on 6 January 2011. Yves Leterme i, acting Prime Minister of Belgium, and Viktor Orbán i, Prime Minister of Hungary attended the ceremonial event hosted in the Cupola Hall of the Houses of Parliament (the seat of MPs as well as the government).

The extraordinary significance of the occasion was highlighted by the presence of Pál Schmitt, President of the Republic of Hungary, every government minister, the Speaker and deputy speakers of the House, the chairmen/group leaders of each parliamentary party and the complete diplomatic corps accredited to Budapest.

A spectacular shower of lights illuminated the Cupola Hall, which at other times is only moderately lit to pay tribute to the royal crown of Hungary, a relic displayed in the centre. Blue and white lights engulfed the dome when, to the sound of the fanfares, the flag of the European Union was brought in.

When the Prime Ministers of Belgium and Hungary proceeded into the hall, the lights turned to red, white, green and yellow. After the national anthems, the traditional flags of Hungary were also brought in along with the Belgian and the Hungarian national colours.

After a complimentary address, the head of the Belgian government handed over the presidency flag and the sceptre.

Following a speech by the Hungarian prime minister, actress Marianna Szalay recited excerpts from the Hungarian national anthem in French; and actor Péter Bozsó took the stage to render a part of a poem entitled Europe, penned by early 20^th century Hungarian poet Dezso Kosztolány. Next, Katalin Szvorák, internationally acclaimed folk singer, sang the Evening Song by Zoltán Kodály, one of the greatest Hungarian composers in the 20^th century. Next to appear was pop-rock singer Magdi Rúzsa, followed by pianist Tamás Érdi whom played Sixth Hungarian Rhapsody, a piece by 19^th century Hungarian composer Ferenc Liszt.

The ceremony ended as the flags were carried out of the Hall.

The next day, 7 January 2011, the EU Commission and the Government of Hungary are to hold a joint meeting in the Houses of Parliament. The visit by the Commission to the country inheriting the presidency and the meeting held with the host government to discuss the agenda of the upcoming six months, has by tradition become the most prestigious event during the term of a presidency.