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.
"Europe is fortunate that, at this very challenging moment in our history, Poland will be fulfilling the mission of the presidency," said Tusk.
"We in Poland know well that we must find within ourselves strength, faith, and hope," he added. "We must rediscover the meaning of freedom and the essence of what Europe truly represents."
He announced: "For the next six months, we will focus on the most pressing issues: security, competitiveness and innovation."
Tusk told the gathering that "imagination, courage, and strong leadership are the sources of our strength," adding that "rotating presidencies preserve the role of member states as driving forces of the European Union’s strategic agenda."
Costa said that "Poland is definitely one of the greatest success stories of enlargement, the best geostrategic investment Europe has made to guarantee freedom and democracy after long periods of totalitarianism."
He 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 Polish National Opera Orchestra and Choir under the baton of composer and conductor Radzimir Dębski.
The concert highlighted works by renowned Polish composers, showcasing the richness of the country’s musical heritage.
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