Austrian Christmas Tree in the EU Parliament: Tradition Continues

For the 28th time, the Austrian Christmas tree adorns the European Parliament in Brussels this year. ÖVP Member of the European Parliament Alexander Bernhuber ceremoniously handed it over to Parliament President Roberta Metsola on Wednesday evening in front of numerous high-ranking guests. The festive highlight of the Christmas tree handover was the blessing of the decorated tree by the Superior of Mariazell, Father Michael Staberl. The Mostviertel brass musicians provided the musical accompaniment for the ceremony.

EU Parliament with Christmas Tree from Lower Austria

"The Christmas tree honors the hard work of our farming family businesses, which ensure our food supply and maintain and care for our forests. And this year, it particularly honors our firefighters, who have tirelessly been on duty in recent years against devastating floods, large-scale forest fires, and other natural disasters. Their important service beyond their local communities and state borders shows how crucial cooperation, solidarity, and quick coordination are in times of crisis," explained Bernhuber, who organized the Christmas tree handover for the seventh time this year.

In addition to Metsola, Austria's EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner (ÖVP) also praised the Christmas tree and the work of the firefighters in a speech. The Deputy Austrian EU Ambassador Franz Wirtenberger, as well as EU parliamentarians from Austria and other countries, also attended the ceremony. Traveling from Lower Austria were Deputy Governor Stephan Pernkopf, the President of the Chamber of Agriculture Johannes Schmuckenschlager, and members of the State Fire Council.

Nordmann Fir Measures 3.7 Meters

The 3.7-meter-high and 16-year-old Nordmann fir was selected together with the Lower Austrian Christmas Tree Queen Ricarda Reithner. The tree was once again transported to Brussels by ÖBB night train. The tradition of setting up an Austrian fir in the European Parliament was initiated by former ÖVP Member of the European Parliament Agnes Schierhuber from the Waldviertel. Thanks to her initiative, the plastic Christmas tree used until 1997 was replaced.

Read more about Christmas here.

(APA/Red)

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