Gigantic European flag raised at Cinquantenaire in honour of Belgian presidency

Under a glacial winter sun, the European standard was raised under the main triumphal arch of the Cinquantenaire in Brussels to mark Belgium’s presidency of the EU Council.

The 6m by 13m blue flag with its symbolic circle of 12 golden stars will flutter over the landmark building until the end of the presidency on 30 June.

It was unfurled to the sound of the European anthem played by the Royal Navy Band, followed by the Belgian national anthem.

The ceremony was performed by ministers Hadja Lahbib and Ludivine Dedonder, secretary of state Thomas Dermine, head of the European Commission representation in Belgium, Stefaan De Rynck, and the directeur of the War Heritage Institute, Michel Jaupart.

“It’s a beautiful symbol. It is also our way of saying that we are proud to have the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU. There is a lot to do, and a lot of expectations. We have the ambition to respond,” said minister of foreign and European affairs Hadja Lahbib.

The Belgian presidency was being received positively among the 27 member states, she added. “We have a reputation as a country capable of mediating between the different parties.”

Photos: ©Belgium Representation EC Europa