The head of the Polish government, along with President of the European Parliament Jerzy Buzek, head of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy and President of the European Commission Jose Manual Barroso, participated in the official gala in Warsaw’s Grand Theatre, celebrating the beginning of the Polish presidency.

Donald Tusk believes that Europe and its citizens need the Polish energy, self-confidence, and awareness of solidarity. “I want to assure you, in the presence of such important witnesses, that Europe can count on us”, announced Tusk.

According to the Polish prime minister, Europe invested in Poland 20 years ago, 7 years ago and over the past months. Now it is time for Poland to invest its energy in Europe. “We were trusted when we had joined the Union, and nobody seems to regret it”, underlined Donald Tusk.

The head of the Polish government remarked that one of the virtues displayed lately by the Poles was the fact that they had never doubted the sense of the Union, not even during the crisis.

“Europe hopefully looks forward to the next 6 months, as Poland has become a symbol, an omen of hope, optimism, energy and the power of survival in hard times and amidst trouble tormenting the whole world”, said the prime minister. “Therefore, all I can say as a man honored to host this momentous ceremony is "thank you”, concluded Tusk.

Source: the Chancellery of the Prime Ministe