On the occasion of Europe Day, the Permanent Delegation of Türkiye to the European Union hosted the opening reception of the exhibition “Roots and Horizons: A European Journey” in Brussels, bringing together art, diplomacy, and cultural dialogue at the heart of Europe.

The event took place on Thursday, 7 May 2026, at the premises of the Turkish Permanent Delegation to the European Union, under the patronage of H.E. Ms. Yaprak Balkan, Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Türkiye to the European Union. Diplomats, representatives of European institutions, members of the cultural community, and invited guests attended the reception ahead of the official 9 May Europe Day celebrations.

A Cultural Reflection on Europe

The exhibition featured a curated selection of paintings and sculptures by several artists, each offering a personal artistic interpretation of Europe. Through diverse forms, materials, and styles, the artworks explored themes such as shared cultural roots, movement across borders, memory, identity, and Europe as a common horizon.

By presenting multiple perspectives, “Roots and Horizons: A European Journey” highlighted the power of art as a tool for intercultural dialogue, emphasizing values that lie at the core of the European project: diversity, coexistence, and mutual understanding.

Europe Day Celebrated Through Art and Diplomacy

Held in the days surrounding Europe Day, which commemorates the Schuman Declaration of 9 May 1950, the exhibition underlined the importance of culture in diplomatic engagement. Organizing the event in Brussels—the political and institutional center of the European Union—reinforced the role of cultural diplomacy in fostering closer ties between Türkiye and the EU.

The Permanent Delegation of Türkiye once again demonstrated its commitment to promoting artistic exchange and people‑to‑people connections alongside political dialogue.

“Roots and Horizons: A European Journey” now stands as a meaningful contribution to Europe Day celebrations, reaffirming the role of culture as a bridge between societies and as a shared space for dialogue across borders.

Diplomats, representatives of European institutions, and members of the cultural community attended the reception, including the Ambassadors of Mongolia, Azerbaijan, and China.