Created exclusively for this semester, the publications „Europe in Budapest – a guide to its many cultures” and „Danube Bridges – from the Black Forest to the Black Sea” were presented by Minister of State for EU Affairs, Enikő Győri, in Tiger Wine Bar, one of the restaurants in Budapest functioning as the Presidency’s wine bar.

The aim was to prepare souvenirs for guests visiting Hungary during the term of the Presidency, which presents an appropriate image of the Carpathian Basin, and its cultural diversity, Enikő Győri said. Although the intention was not to increase guest’s luggage weight by giving books, it was an idea that was not discarded. “We like books. It is difficult to convey moods, emotions and deep thoughts without books,” the State Minister continued. This is how the book “Europe in Budapest” was created: a volume of 256 pages, which presents the numerous ethnic groups of Budapest that have shaped the history, and everyday life of the city.

One of the main messages of the publication is that Hungarians are proud of the diversity of their capital and its culture, coming from several resources. The authors’ aim was to encourage visitors to visit the city to spend a few more days in the country, or return in the future. The book has already sold ten thousand copies, and its success is clearly demonstrated by the story told by Enikő Győri, that the Ambassador of the Czech Republic in Hungary sent a letter of appreciation about the book, which provided lots of new information to her, even though she has been living in the city for years.

Giving a detailed presentation of the book, Deputy State Secretary for EU Affairs, Bálint Ódor said that the publication is the result of the devoted work of 18 authors, young historians and it presents the special values of Budapest, the powerful impact of its ethnic groups on architecture, gastronomy, culture and everyday life through 20 chapters. As he explained, Hungary considers cultural diversity an asset, and in the future it will seek to ensure that EU resources should be made available to preserve and maintain it.

The other focus point of the day was the photo album, titled “The Bridges of the Danube”, which is a truly special publication, since it presents in words and pictures all the bridges of the river, their history and technical details. This is no small task, since the river flowing across Europe, runs through 14 countries, and some of its bridges were built in the 12th century. Enikő Győri also told that to this day, the Danube connects countries and nations as it did in the past. It is an important link for Central Europe, and therefore, for Hungary, it is one of the reasons why the Danube strategy receives special attention from the Presidency. The preservation of this wonderful river is our common interest and task, the state minister said.

The photos of the book have already been displayed in two exhibitions, in Brussels and in Austria, and more exhibitions are planned, primarily in countries watered by the Danube.

(kormany.hu)