Ambassador Gabriele Visentin welcomed hundreds of distinguished guests to the iconic Gandel Hall at the National Gallery of Australia to mark the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration. The event brought together high-profile guests from government, academia, business, and the diplomatic corps in Australia.

As we reflected on the legacy of this historic moment, we also looked ahead with hope, grounded in our shared values: unity, democracy, peace, solidarity, and cooperation. These principles continue to define the European Union and shape our close partnership with Australia.

The reception began with a Welcome to Country by Ngunnawal Elder Cheyne Halloran, who spoke about unity in Australia and reaffirmed the values shared by both Australia and Europe.

We were honoured to be joined by the Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator the Hon Don Farrell, who also addressed the audience, the Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ms Jan Adams AO PSM and the Chief of Protocol Jonathan Muir.

The Canberra Symphony Orchestra, also marking its 75th anniversary, made the celebration especially memorable with moving performances of the EU anthem, Ode to Joy, and the Australian national anthem.

To mark the occasion, the Captain Cook Memorial on Lake Burley Griffin was lit in EU blue.