Europe Day, the 20th anniversary of the biggest EU enlargement and the decision to open accession negotiations celebrated at the National Theatre

With a Gala Concert of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony at the National Theatre in Sarajevo, the EU Office in Bosnia and Herzegovina and EU Member State diplomatic missions joined with partners and friends from across Bosnia and Herzegovina and the international community to mark Europe Day, the 20th anniversary of the biggest EU enlargement and the European Council's decision to open accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Ambassador Johann Sattler, Head of the Delegation of the EU in BiH and EU Special Representative noted: "As demonstrated by the 'Big Bang' twenty years ago, Enlargement is one of the EU's most successful policies, strengthening prosperity and stability across our continent. All political actors in BiH subscribe to the country's future within the EU. The EU will continue to stand by the country and all those who are working for its brighter future. Europe Day is not just a celebration - it is a reminder to reject the politics of division and hatred that have caused so much pain and destruction. The Ode to Joy in the fourth movement of Beethoven's 9^th is the EU anthem, calling on all men to become brothers. We must heed that call and ensure that the vision of the EU founders becomes a reality across Europe, including here".

The concert was organised jointly by the EU Office in BiH, the Diplomatic Bureau of Belgium, currently presiding over the Council of the European Union with the embassies of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia and Spain in cooperation with the National Theatre and Sarajevo Philharmonic. Through this cooperation, the organisers sent an important message about the centrality of art, culture and music in transcending borders and strengthening European values.

Benjamin Sturtewagen, charge d'affaires of the Diplomatic Bureau of Belgium of BiH underlined the EU's commitment to a shared future for current and future EU member states. "Tonight we celebrate an example of a not so distant past. To encourage aspiring EU members for a not so distant future. Aspiring members like Bosnia and Herzegovina. The EU is not blind to this country's challenges. Recent developments put some in clear focus. But the opportunities are real and within reach. The long-term perspective must remain front and centre now. It is possible. It is what we want. For the EU, for you, for your citizens. Your work will be tough, but our help is guaranteed," said Sturtewagen.

As BiH progresses on its EU path, the energy, innovation and aspiration of this country's youth are key drivers of progress, and consequently particular attention has to be paid to the voice of young people. To this end, Ambassador Sattler invited Enna Zone Đonlić a representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina's youth to address the audience before the concert, who said, "We must remember that our road toward EU membership is not merely a destination but a process. It requires dedication, cooperation, and perseverance. We, the youth of Bosnia and Herzegovina, are not just witnesses to this transformation-we are its architects. Our commitment to build bridges, not walls; to close divides, not deepen them, is crucial to creating a better world for generations to come".