Concert for Europe at Italian embassy

BELGRADE - A concert entitled Concert for Europe has been held at the residence of the Italian ambassador to Serbia to mark the start of Italy's presidency of the EU, and Ambassador Giuseppe Manzo said at the event Serbia had always been a part of Europe and was drawing ever closer to the start of the accession talks, with Italy's support.

Employment, development, human rights and the global role of the international community will be the focus of Italy's presidency, Manzo said before the start of the concert performed by the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra.

According to Manzo, those are the priorities and the same challenges Serbia faces and will be able to overcome more efficiently and on time with Italy's help as it moves forward on its path to the EU.

Tonight we celebrate together these principles and common goals that bring together Italy, Europe and Serbia, just as the language of music brings us together, said Manzo, whose country took over the EU presidency from Greece on July 1.

President of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region Debora Serracchiani was the guest of honour, while other guests included Serbia's Deputy Minister and Transport Minister Zorana Mihajlovic, Minister of Culture Ivan Tasovac, members of the parliament, Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia Michael Davenport, US Ambassador Michael Kirby and the ambassadors of Sweden, Greece, Spain and other countries.