The several surprises the city may offer you, such as impressive views on the Meuse River, the beautiful architecture and the dream-like urban setting, are astonishing. But recently a new piece of art has been added in the city, enriching its culture and remarking one of its most famous historical events.  In fact, the city welcomed a new statue representing Peter the Great, the famous Russian Emperor of the 18^th century.

The piece of art was inaugurated on the 21^st of June, during the ceremony organized by the Foundation Peter the Great to celebrate the 300^th anniversary of the Emperor’s visit to Belgium. The institution was assisted and supported in the organization by the Russian Embassy in Belgium and other organizations, such as the Slavonic Europe movement. The Russian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium, Alexander Tokovinin, the Governor of the Province of Liège, Hervé Jamar,  the Honorary Governor of the Province of Liège and the Grand Liège President, Michel Foret and several members of the public and the business community participated in the inauguration. As a special guest, His Imperial Highness, Grand Duke George Mikhailovich of Russia was present, a direct descendant of Peter the Great.

The presentation of the statue and of its creator, the Russian-Dutch sculptor Alexander Taratynov, were enriched and enhanced by the Slavonic Europe Brass Ensemble, that performed the Slavonic Fanfare. The piece has been especially created for the occasion by Mr. David Chmelik, the President of the Slavonic Europe movement, and dedicated to the Grand Liège Association as a sign of gratitude and a sounding cultural bridge between East and West.

“The aims of the organizations involved and of the event itself are several and of vital importance for Europe today”,  said Mr. Chmelik. “Peter the Great was a Slav, and one of the most influential and most famous Slavonic rulers. He is part of the Slavonic history and of the modern Slavonic identity. And, as such, he is part of the European history and the European identity as well. He tried systematically to establish a bridge between East and West culturally, economically and politically”, contined Mr. Chmelik.

In fact, the relationships established by Peter the Great with the Western countries and the cultural and social influences developed from his trip to Europe were fundamental for the history of both Russia and Europe. They symbolized a cultural exchange, an intellectual curiosity for what is different, an inclination to the new, an opening to the modern era. They embody a first, mature sign of desire of interaction, a first attempt to international relations – from both sides. Peter the Great was the living symbol of change: he is still considered as both an example of cooperation towards the outside ad the inside. He aimed at establishing successful and inspiring relations with Europe while modernizing and unifying his Nation. For this, he is not just a symbol for Russians, but for all Slavonic countries and for whole Europe: He represents the dual cohesive approach to the outside and the inside.

The new statue in Liège remembers the visitors that now, more than ever, it is important to create and evolve international relations, remembering our common cultural and historical elements. It is important to develop and protect a common identity, enhancing our cooperation and reminding us of the examples of the great men of the past.

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Chmelik left the European Commission’s directorate general for budget to set up a unique new concept, a Slavonic Europe association aimed at building a bridge between east and west whilst uniting 13 Slavonic cultures. Slavonic Europe aims to provide the basis for a new Slavonic network, first in Brussels then worldwide, bringing together the cultures of Belarus, Bosnia Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Macedonia, Montenegro, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia and Ukraine.

« Slavonic Europe is a cultural movement aimed at the reunification and reinforcement of the 13 Slavonic nations, » Chmelik says. « We want greater visibility for Slavonic culture in Europe and beyond. We also aim at bridging the east and west. » He adds that the Slavs, Europe’s largest linguistic group, are natural intermediaries between east and west. « But at this point in time, we are not playing this essential role. »

Born as Russian tanks invaded Prague, Chmelik grew up both in Czechoslovakia and Germany. A dual national, he quickly learnt the advantages and enrichment of biculturalism. « Slavs have never achieved a strong spirit of togetherness. That’s my personal goal. » He said a Slavonic House in Brussels would be at the heart of the new movement.

« It would add visibility and host Slavonic cultural events in an integrated form with concerts, exhibitions, a Slavonic restaurant, a library and a Slavonic shopping centre. We’re also planning several business elements with, for example, a Slavonic co-working centre for young start-ups from the Slav countries. »

But why set up the association now? « This is the right moment. Europe needs a new approach – from the bottom-up. The European Union cannot be united by individual states top-down but only by large cultural entities of which Slavs are the largest one.We have so much in common but lack a sense of togetherness. Europe needs more emotion and we Slavs can give that. »

He does not envisage an « aggressive nationalistic » movement but, on the contrary, stresses the positive cultural and linguistic ties between Slavs. Mathematician and composer, he also dedicated a brass sextet to the European Commission on the occasion of award of the Nobel peace prize to the EU in 2012.

Chmelik, though, left the Commission bemoaning a lack of creativity. « I write — string quartets. That was always what I wanted to do. I never wanted to remain an official. I wanted to do more, » he said. Chmelik’s artistic interests and cultural reflexions led him to conjure the setting up of a Slavonic Europe. But why now, especially given the daily reports about the sore state of relations between the EU and Russia? Is Slavonic Europe not a subtle vehicle for Russian interests? « We don’t go into politics. We deal with culture. We don’t want to separate but to unite. We have an alternative approach to what has been European integration for almost seven decades. We are convinced that the EU has neglected European cultures. In today’s world, we need to make the bridge on a non-political and cultural basis. Of course, we have many contacts with Russia as it is the largest and most influential Slavonic state. But we also have close dealings with the Poles, Bulgarians and more, » he said.

But Chmelik appreciates the Russians for having no fear and being courageous. « We can’t build Europe on negative feelings, » he adds. Still, Chmelik adds that Russia is not « behind » Slavonic Europe.

« We are behind it. This is a unique concept. We want this project to be auto-financed. At full cruising speed, we want to become fully independent, » he said. He has set his sights high with an ongoing feasibility study of a 4000 square metre Slavonic House in the European quarter. « We’ll then approach potential investors to join an incorporated company – the Slavonic Investors Consortium. »

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