Romania Presidency Launch
Ambassador Mihalache predicts a “challenging” presidency in his opening remarks
Defence Minister Earl Howe said Britain would remain at the heart of European defence and security, even after Brexit
The European Youth Orchestra gives a masterful performance of the complex music of George Enescu
FCO Director for Europe Caroline Wilson makes her closing remarks
: Ambassador Mihalache and the Ambassador of North Macedonia Mrs Aleksandra Miovska
The Ambassador of Slovakia Dr L’ubomír Rehák, Embassy Editor Elizabeth Stewart, Georgian Ambassador Tamar Beruchashvili and the Ambassador of Austria Dr Michael Zimmermann
Ambassador Mihalache welcomes the High Commissioner for Cyprus Mr Euripides Evriviades
After the concert, diplomats sampled a hearty Romanian spread and wine while they digested the results of the parliamentary vote
Romanian delicacies
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Romanian EU Presidency launch
Romanian Ambassador Dan Mihalache chose a night of high drama to celebrate Romania’s first-ever Presidency of the EU Council. Diplomats, parliamentarians and friends of Romania were held rapt by the tense music of Romanian composer George Enescu while over in Westminster ,MPs were voting on the Brexit deal.
Addressing guests, the Ambassador admitted his country’s presidency would be “challenging” – with Britain’s withdrawal from the EU as well as European elections that could change the political landscape of Europe. This was why “cohesion” was central to the Presidency motto. “We cannot be a strong Europe, winning in this geopolitical world, without cohesion,” he said. The Ambassador assured guests that Romania would act as a “fair broker” in the debates to come to ensure a better future for the European Union.
The guest of honour, Defence Minister Earl Howe (who did not have to vote in Parliament) in his remarks said in these uncertain times, there were two certainties: that Britain would remain “at the heart of European security and defence” and that Britain’s friendship with Romania would continue to flourish.
As the European Youth Orchestra’s virtuoso performance ended on a flourish, diplomats checking their twitter feeds learned that MPs had voted down the Brexit deal, inflicting the heaviest defeat on the Government in modern history.
In her closing remarks, FCO Director for Europe Caroline Wilson concluded that diplomats had more work to do. But the good news is that Enescu’s ferocious and challenging contrapuntal octet – where two or more melodies play at cross purposes – ends in a triumphal high note. We hope the same is true of Romania’s presidency!
Above Photo: The European Youth Orchestra perform the work of George Enescu whose contrapunctal octet included two or more melodies playing at cross purposes – challenging but engrossing
PHOTOS: PIERRE DE VILLIERS