Newsroom
Now that Denmark has officially taken over the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, the spotlight quietly begins to shift toward Cyprus, which is next in line in the Trio Presidency. But before all eyes turn ahead, the Polish Embassy in Nicosia gave EU watchers one last reason to look back and smile.
In late June, Poland closed out its six-month term at the helm of the EU Council with an evening of culture, class, and a touch of soul in the heart of Nicosia. The event, held in the iconic Eleftheria Square, a space famously redesigned by architect Zaha Hadid, was a celebration of Polish heritage and the values Europe stands for.
Topping the bill? None other than Grammy-winning pianist Włodek Pawlik and his trio, who treated guests to a masterful mix of jazz standards and Polish classical reinterpretations. Their open-air performance earned a standing ovation from a crowd that included diplomats, European Parliament and Commission representatives, Cypriot officials, and members of the public.
But the music was just the beginning.
The evening also featured the launch of a vibrant exhibition celebrating the rights of the child, curated by the Adam Mickiewicz Institute in Warsaw. Showcasing work from leading Polish children’s book illustrators, the exhibition offered a colorful reminder of the values the EU strives to uphold, especially when it comes to its youngest citizens.
Speaking at the event, Polish Ambassador Marek Szczepanowski reflected on the country’s EU presidency, highlighting its priorities and achievements over the past six months, and extending well-wishes to Denmark and Cyprus as they take the baton forward.
While the presidency itself may have quietly passed hands, Poland’s closing ceremony in Cyprus was anything but forgettable, a final bow with flair, heart, and a soundtrack to match.
