After a two-year gap caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it was possible to resume the tradition of organizing Christmas concerts. This year's Christmas concert also reminded the most important moments and achievements of the Czech Presidency of the Council of Europe.

The Ambassador of the Czech Republic in Ljubljana, Juraj Chmiel, officially opened the evening with his speech, in which he summarised and evaluated the activities of the Czech Republic and the Embassy in connection with the Presidency of the Council of the EU. He recalled that we have come a long way since we took over the symbolic presidential torch from the French Ambassador to Slovenia during the celebration of the Armed Forces Day in June with the participation of the Honor Guard of the Czech Armed Forces  and the French Navy dislocated in the Koper port on the military boat Pluton . The Embassy has organised eight meetings between EU Heads of Missions and Slovenian officials, representatives of strategic industry in Slovenia or prominent Slovenian personalities. Two of these meetings took place in Slovenian regions (at the Krško nuclear power plant and the Expanno pavilion in Murska Sobota). Two of those meeting were also attended by the candidate countries. The meeting with the President of UEFA Mr. A. Čefrin, initiated by the Embassy of the Czech Republic just before the opening of the World Cup in Qatar, also made a great reaction among the Heads of Mission.

The Embassy has also organised numerous cultural events, including the opening of an exhibition on the legacy of Czech personalities, who lived and worked in Slovenia, entitled "Czech Footprints", or on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the birth of the Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik, the exhibition "Jože Plečnik and Prague", which was on display on the venue.

During the Czech Presidency in July, accession negotiations were opened with Albania and North Macedonia, while Ukraine, Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina gained candidate status during this half year. In December, the EU voted for Croatia to join Schengen.

In the context of the current international situation, the Ambassador mentioned that it is necessary to maintain unity and support for Ukraine in its struggle for freedom. He also pointed out that we must be aware that war has returned to Europe and therefore, despite the energy crisis, we must not allow Russia to legitimise its aggression. Czech history has taught us that a policy of appeasement is not the solution. He also recalled our active handling of the energy crisis and mentioned a number of other Czech activities during the Czech Presidency.

At the end of his speech, he thanked his colleagues from the Embassy, the diplomatic corps and representatives of Slovenian authorities and institutions for their cooperation and goodwill in 2022 and wished everyone a happy and successful New Year.

After the speech, the guests had the opportunity to watch the video entitled „Czech traces in Ljubljana“ left by Czech architects in Ljubljana, prepared by the Embassy of the Czech Republic, followed by a concert.

Performance of Czech musicians Daniel Dobiáš and Jaroslav Parma included texts by famous Czech historical personalities, Jan Hus, J. A. Comenius, Karel Čapek, Jaroslav Seifert and a musicalized translation of the Slovenian poem Poljub (Kiss). The second part of the concert was dedicated to the traditional Christmas music. The guests had the opportunity to listen to classic Czech, and international Christmas carols.

Representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited for Slovenia based in Ljubljana, Vienna and other countries, attended the event. Also two Slovenian ministers, representatives of ministries, members of parliament and guests from the cultural and business sectors were presented.

The concert was followed by a small reception in the spirit of traditional Czech Christmas food, including mulled wine.

The event was possible to organize thanks to the sponsors Arex d.o.o. and Litostroj Power d.o.o.