To mark its Presidency of the Council of the European Union, France is launching a ground-breaking initiative by inviting its 26 EU partners to showcase the best of their heritage and creative talent during the second half of 2008.
Under the title of the European Cultural Season, this series of events will highlight the creative vitality of European cultures as well as the strengths of a largely shared identity through a common European cultural heritage.
Hundreds of events have been staged around France to bring this Europe of creation and heritage to as many people as possible.
Presentation and debate on the priorities of the French Presidency organised in Bulgaria as part of the "Europe, Here and Now" debate cycle
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Launched on 6 May, at the same time as the European Union Film Festival, the "Season" in Singapore will last 8 months until 31 December 2008 and its programme includes close to sixty cultural events from all member countries of the EU. The "European Season" in Singapore is also designed to be repeated every year, beyond the French Presidency of the EU.
moreDanish waiters celebrate the launch of the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
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Excellence heralded the launch of the French Presidency of the European Union with the concert by Accentus Chamber Choir in the Royal Castle in Warsaw.
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Since the opening of the Justus Lipsus building, the headquarters of the Council of the European Union, it has been customary for the successive Presidencies to 'stage' a welcome display in the main foyer on the ground floor and decorate the newsroom and the ministers' entrance on the 2nd floor below ground level.
moreIreland: 27 photographers from the 27 Member States of the European Union offer their vision of France
moreTel Aviv: large gala concert held by the French Embassy to inaugurate the French Presidency of the European Union.
moreTo celebrate the "Youth Event", the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra gave a special performance in the presence of Roselyne Bachelot-Narquin, Minister for Health, Youth, Sport and the Voluntary Sector.
moreNational Assembly of Bulgaria: Presentation of the priorities of the French Presidency to the Committees on European Integration and Foreign Affairs by the French Ambassador
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