In the presence of the President of the European Parliament Joseph Borrell, Mayor of Strasbourg Fabienne Keller and President of the south-western Polish city of Wrocław, the ceremony of handing over the glass sphere United Earth by the city of Wrocław to the European Parliament took place earlier today.

The "United Earth" glass sphere is the result of the work of two Wrocław - native artists Beata and Tomasz Urbanowicz. It has a diameter of 180 cm and weighs nearly 700 kg. It is set on a hidden steel construction.

The organiser of today's ceremony was Jacek Protasiewicz MEP from Wrocław (Lower Silesia Region).

"The glass sphere is present in the courtyard of the Louise Weiss building since 2003. It was an exhibit at an art exhibition in the Parliament. It was highly appreciated, and kept. It is here, with us, ever since.

Today we are formally handing it over to the European Parliament. It is a gift of the people of Wrocław. In this special manner we intend to celebrate the first anniversary of Polish membership in the European Union.

Wrocław wants to be present on the map of Europe, not only as Poland's most developing city, but also as a dynamic artistic centre. Europeans, who in great numbers visit the European Parliament in Strasbourg, will now have an opportunity to confirm that on the spot" - Mr Protasiewicz stated in his speech.

The cost of purchasing the glass sphere was covered from private sources by the Lower Silesian Chamber of Commerce, which celebrates this year the 15th anniversary of its foundation.


For further information:
EPP-ED Press Service
Robert A. Golański, +32 475 751663

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