Concert marking Statehood Day, Croatia’s 10th EU membership anniversary

A ceremonial reception and gala concert were held 28 June 2023 at BOZAR in Brussels on the occasion of the Statehood Day and 10th anniversary of Croatia’s EU membership. The events were organized by Croatia’s Permanent Representation to the EU, Croatian Embassy to Belgium and Permanent Representation to NATO, under the auspices of the Croatian Government, Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, and Ministry of Culture and Media. In attendance were Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman, and Culture and Media Minister Nina Obuljen Koržinek. 
 
The commemoration of Croatia’s 10th EU membership anniversary was an opportunity to reflect on the path Croatia had travelled as well as its commitment to the common future within the European family. Addresses were delivered by Plenković, Grlić Radman, and Croatia’s Permanent Representative to the EU Irena Andrassy. Plenković underscored the importance of Croatia’s EU membership and outlined the most prominent achievements during that time. He stressed Croatia’s commitment to the shaping of a prosperous future as well as to the promotion of common values within the EU and with other international partners, notably those in the immediate neighbourhood.
 
The concert was performed by the of the Croatian Radiotelevision Symphony Orchestra and pianist Martina Filjak, and conducted by Pascal Rophé.
 
Obuljen Koržinek presented the musicians and the programme, underlining the importance of marking Croatia’s 10th EU membership anniversary with music. A combination of works by Croatian composers Dora Pejačević and Blagoje Bersa, as well as Hector Berlioz and Ottorino Respighi, highlighted the best of European cultural heritage marked by centuries-long mutual influence and connectedness, regardless of borders and different nationalities.
 
The events drew an impressive number of guests, including Lichtenstein’s Prime Minister Daniel Risch, European Commission’s Vice-President Dubravka Šuica, other officials of the EC, Council of the EU, European Parliament and other EU institutions, as well as a large number of diplomats, Belgian and NATO officials and representatives, military representatives, Croats living and working in Brussels, and media representatives.
 

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