A cultural manifestation sponsored by Roberta ANGELILLI (EPP, IT), "Rome in t he heart of Europe's Future", takes place in the European Parliament in Brussels, in presence of Antonio TAJANI, Vice President of the European Commission, and Andrea BOCELLI, Italian musician and crossover artist.

Brussels

TAJANI, Antonio (EPP, IT)

statement

EU - Italy (T)

ANGELILLI, Roberta (EPP, IT)

Rome in the heart of Europe's Future: extracts from the cultural manifestation sponsored by Roberta ANGELILLI (EPP, IT)

SOUNDBITE (Italian), Roberta ANGELILLI (EPP, IT), I am very proud of hosting the city of Rome in this event. The objective is to valorise the cultural patrimony of Rome as a common heritage for Europe and for the world. European Parliament and other European institutions have to work on the fact that cultural heritage is not only something to be proud of, but also a source of wealth and wellbeing for the citizens of Europe.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), Mauro CUTRUFO, Deputy Mayor of Rome, We are very happy to be here, and with us there is an important ambassador of the beauty of Rome, Andrea Bocelli. We are introducing the future of the capital as second touristic pole but also, together with Andrea Bocelli and Franco Zefirelli we are representing the heritage and culture of Rome. Future and past of Rome in this event.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), Antonio TAJANI, European Commisioner, For us, to highlight the city of Rome means to highlight the entire Europe. Rome represents the roots of our culture, of our civil rights, of the European way of building infrastructures, of our European way of seeing life. And for those like me, of Christian background, Rome means also the roots of Christian heritage that we Romans cannot deny.

Extract from the film 'Rome' by Franco Zefirelli. Applause.

Andrea Bocelli enters the scene. Applause, he says how much he is honoured and moved to be here.