The event, attended by a host of officials from across the bloc, featured speeches by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and European Council President António Costa.
"For the next six months, we will focus on the most pressing issues: security, competitiveness and innovation," said Tusk.
"Imagination, courage, and strong leadership are the sources of our strength," he added, telling the gathering that "rotating presidencies preserve the role of member states as driving forces of the European Union’s strategic agenda."
Costa voiced the view that "the Polish presidency will prove once more that patriotism and European integration are interconnected."
"There is no better time for Polish leadership in the EU," he said.
The event included a performance by the Wielki Theatre/National Opera Orchestra and Choir conducted by Radzimir Dębski.
Poland took over the rotating six-month presidency of the 27-nation bloc on January 1, aiming to focus on bolstering security and defence, as well as maintaining steadfast support for Ukraine against Russia's ongoing invasion.
The government said on Thursday that, during its presidency, Poland would also work to strengthen the EU’s resilience by boosting cybersecurity.
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Source: IAR, PAP