A colossal European Union flag was unfurled at the Cinquantenaire in Brussels on Friday during an official ceremony.
The vast 12-starred blue banner, measuring 6 metres by 13, will ripple under the grand arcade of the building until the termination of Belgium’s Presidency of the EU Council by the end of June.
The flag-raising was accompanied by the sounds of the European anthem, performed by the Royal Navy Band.
Ministers Hadja Lahbib and Ludivine Dedonder, Secretary of State Thomas Dermine, and Stefaan De Rynck, head of the European Commission’s representation in Belgium, participated in the event.
Head of the Representation in Belgium at European Commission Stefaan De Rynck, Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib, State Secretary for Scientific Policy Thomas Dermine and Defence Minister Ludivine Dedonder. Credit: Belga / Nicolas Maeterlinck
Foreign and European Affairs Minister, Hadja Lahbib, saw the act as a beautiful symbol.
"It’s our way of expressing that we are proud to have the rotating Presidency of the EU Council. There is much to do and many expectations to meet. Yet, we are resolute to deliver," Lahbib commented.
Credit: Belga / Nicolas Maeterlinck
She assured that Belgium’s presidency is welcomed amongst the other 27 member nations, citing Belgium’s reputation as a country capable of mediating diverse parties.
