Austrian Christmas Tree Brings Festive Spirit to European Parliament
A towering Nordmann fir, a symbol of Austrian holiday cheer and tradition, has arrived in Brussels for the 27th time, gracing the halls of the European Parliament.
Standing tall at 4.2 meters, the 17-year-old beauty hails from the sustainable agricultural practices of the König family in Maria Laach am Jauerling, Lower Austria. This year, as in years past, the tree embarked on an eco-friendly journey to Brussels, traveling via the ÖBB night train instead of conventional transport.
On Wednesday evening, the festive handover ceremony took place, drawing numerous high-ranking guests to witness the heartwarming occasion. ÖVP MEP Alexander Bernhuber, the mastermind behind this year’s tree delivery, ceremoniously handed over the fir to the European Parliament, marking a continuation of a cherished tradition.
Adding a touch of solemnity to the celebration, Father Altmann Wand from the Pielachtal parish in Lower Austria blessed the tree, infusing the gathering with a sense of peace and reverence.
"The decorated tree is a pre-Christmas greeting from Lower Austria and a sign of Austria’s deep connection to the European Union," Bernhuber said in a press release. "It is intended to remind us, especially in these hectic and restless times, that Advent is a time of contemplation and reflection and that we can learn from it. We can draw strength."
Among those present to witness the festive handover were Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP) and Austria’s new EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner (ÖVP). Several MEPs from various countries also joined in the celebration, highlighting the unifying spirit of the Austrian Christmas tree tradition.
Green EU MP Thomas Waitz actively participated in decorating the arboreal masterpiece. In a video message, he reminded everyone of the enduring relevance of Christian values, stating, “Jesus was also a refugee.”
This remarkable tradition of honoring the European Union with an Austrian fir tree was first established by former ÖVP MEP Agnes Schierhuber from the Waldviertel. Thanks to her initiative, the plastic Christmas tree previously used until 1997 was replaced with a living, breathing symbol of the holiday season.
What type of tree is traditionally sent to the European Parliament by Austria?
## Interview: Austrian Christmas Tree Lights Up European Parliament
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. We’re talking holiday cheer today, and what better embodiment of that than a Christmas tree? This year, a beautiful Nordmann fir has arrived in Brussels for the 27th time, bringing festive warmth to the halls of the European Parliament.
Joining me today to discuss this annual tradition is Alex Reed, an expert on Austrian Christmas customs. Welcome to the show!
**Alex Reed:** Thank you for having me!
**Host:** So, tell us a little bit about these special trees that decorate the EU Parliament each year.
**Alex Reed:** This magnificent Nordmann fir, standing at a proud 4.2 meters tall, hails from the König family farm in Lower Austria. This family takes immense pride in sustainable agricultural practices, and their trees are well-known for their beautiful shape and needle retention.
**Host:** That’s fantastic! Sustainability is incredibly important, and it’s heartwarming to know the parilament embraces that.
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely! And what’s even more impressive is the journey this tree takes. Instead of utilizing conventional transportation, the tree arrives in Brussels via the ÖBB night train, minimizing its carbon footprint.
**Host:** That’s a truly commendable effort! This tradition clearly goes beyond just decorating for the holidays; it embodies Austrian values of sustainability and environmental consciousness.
**Alex Reed:** You’ve hit the nail on the head. It’s a beautiful symbol of Austrian festive spirit and a commitment to responsible practices.
**Host:** Well said! Thank you so much for sharing your insights with us today, Alex Reed. It’s wonderful to hear about this special tradition that brings a touch of Austrian holiday magic to the heart of Europe.
