By Roy Lie Atjam
On June 30, 2025, the Embassy of the Republic of Poland hosted a remarkable jazz concert featuring the Marcin Wasilewski Trio, celebrating the conclusion of Poland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union and the meaningful handover of the presidency to the Embassy of Denmark in The Hague.
The evening inspired an esteemed gathering of representatives from the diplomatic corps, Dutch institutions, international tribunals, and prominent figures from the worlds of culture and European politics. H.E. Ms. Margareta Kassangana, Ambassador of Poland, took this moment to passionately summarize the Embassy’s significant achievements during Poland’s Presidency, highlighting the regular engagement of Heads of Mission with Dutch government ministers, culminating in a valuable working lunch with Prime Minister Dick Schoof. The agenda was rich with expert-level consultations and cultural events that underscored Poland’s leadership and dedication during this pivotal time.
Before the artistic part of the evening, a ceremonial handover of the symbolic “Presidency Plate” took place, with Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark, H.E. Mr. Ulf Melgaard, accepting the token. The official part concluded with a concert by the Marcin Wasilewski Trio – one of the most outstanding ensembles on the Polish jazz scene – which had also inaugurated the Polish Presidency six months earlier with a performance in Brussels. Their concert in The Hague served as a symbolic closing bracket to Poland’s leadership of the Council.
The hour-long performance was met with enthusiastic applause and highlighted the shared, transnational character of the European Union. The evening concluded with a reception, offering guests an opportunity for informal conversation and reflection on the past six months.
The ceremony in The Hague was not only a summary of the intense Polish Presidency, but also a demonstration of how diplomacy and culture can jointly strengthen European identity and foster closer ties between EU member states.
