Hongaarse minister Gyori: Europeanen moeten leren vrijgeviger te zijn (en)
Europe should have a heart and soul, and European countries should learn once again, to look at one another with a noble soul and mutual sympathy, Minister of State for EU Affairs Eniko Gyori said in her ceremonial speech, before the Liszt recital held on the occasion of Europe Day, in the European Parliament on 9 May 2011.
Before the start of the European Parliament’s plenary meeting in Strasbourg, the MEPs, heads of EU institutions and leaders of the capital of Alsace commemorated the 61st anniversary of European integration, with a flag ceremony. During the evening, a festive concert was held, jointly organised by French Liszt Society and the European Parliament.
Coincidence by Providence
Minister of State Eniko Gyori, gave a short welcoming speech before the event, in which she called it a coincidence by Providence, that the Hungarian Presidency’s term and the birth anniversary of Franz Liszt, widely celebrated in Europe, happened in the same period. She emphasised that in terms of musical language, Liszt was the most European among Hungarian composers, he felt at home everywhere, from Paris to Rome, from Weimar to Vienna and Budapest. “Just like in Strasbourg”, Ms Gyori added, highlighting that on the exact same day, a memorial plaque was inaugurated in downtown Strasbourg, at the building where the prodigy child, Liszt gave his first concert in France at the age of only 12.
Eniko Gyori reminded that Liszt was a selfless mentor and friend to other outstanding artists of his age, “and they jointly represented the finest in Europe.” The Minister of State recalled the memory of the recently beatified Pope John Paul II, who was convinced that Europe has a heart and soul. Ms Gyori believed that European nations must relearn to look at each other with sympathy and generosity, just as Liszt and the great generation of romanticists did, recognising no national or language boundaries. “Let us hope that Europe is more than money and market. Let us enjoy the music of Liszt, and we will hear the sound coming up from the deepest core of the soul of Europe” Ms Gyori closed her speech.
The history of Europe Day
On 9 May 1950, exactly five years after the conclusion of World War II, French foreign minster Robert Schuman i proposed in his famous declaration that Franco-German coal and steel production should be united and placed under common and supranational jurisdiction, “which should immediately provide for the setting up of common foundations for economic development as a first step in the federation of Europe.” As the Schuman Plan launched the first organization of European integration, the European Coal and Steel Community, Europe Day has been celebrated on 9 May since 1985. Although EU member states celebrate this day differently, they have the common ambition to introduce the aims, values and operation of the Union to as many people as possible.]
Message of the President of the European Parliament
In his video message given to commemorate the 61st anniversary of the Schuman declaration, President of the European Parliament, Jerzy Buzek i stated, “We have every reason to be proud of what Europe has achieved.” At the same time, he warned that the accomplishments of the EU so far, should not be considered self-evident. Concerning the events in North Africa and Belarus, Mr Buzek reminded that we must lend a hand to those who share the dreams of Europeans, but were favoured by history, and we must support the southern and eastern neighbours of the EU, with their “fight for human dignity, freedom and democracy”. According to Mr Buzek, we must show solidarity with those Member States as well, that implement bold and responsible reforms, to combat their high debts.
A joint European enterprise
Herman van Rompuy i, President of the European Council, also sent a video message commemorating that “our great European adventure” started 61 years ago. As he highlighted, “Today the European Union is a unified and free area, in which 500 million men and women from different countries are living, sharing the same values". According to the President of the European Council, Europe faces two important challenges „ensuring our citizens' well-being and spreading stability through the rest of the world, starting with our neighbours in the south and in the east”. Mr Van Rompuy also talked about economic problems. As he explained “Even if some of our economies are struggling, in most European countries growth and employment are clearly picking up. The recovery is even stronger than we hoped.”
A Hungarian festival in Justus Lipsius
Herman Van Rompuy also participated in Europe Day, held in Brussels over the past weekend, on which the Council, the Commission and the European Parliament opened up their gates before the general public, according to traditions. In the company of Hungarian Coreper I Ambassador Ágnes Vargha, the President of the European Council, viewed the cultural and historical exhibition on Hungarian themes installed in the Justus Lipsius building of the Council, where visitors could also catch a glimpse of Hungarian music and Hungarian flavours. In addition to the values of the past, visitors could also enjoy a selection of drawings enrolled for the Hungarian children’s drawing contest titled “My message to Europe”. Mr Van Rompuy stressed that he closely cooperated with the Hungarian Presidency, and appreciated its activities and accomplishments so far.