Dear guests of the ball, and especially those of you here for the first time,

It is a great honour for me to serve as principal patron of the Faust Ball, this year's opera ball held in honour of scientists and artists. We are reviving a tradition here in the home of total art with an occasion that has the power to transform society, and not just through our charitable endeavours.

At the meeting of the European Parliament Committee on Culture, I stressed that culture unlocks our powers of imagination and our sense of empathy toward others. What could be more suitable for spreading these ideals than a social gathering in architect Miklós Ybl's palace on Andrássy Avenue  –  representing the artistic genres of great importance to European history, namely opera, ballet and classical music, as well as this year's sister discipline, the natural sciences. The event brings together the leadership of the country, participants in its public and economic life and international stars, as well as our great hope for the future, those young people making their debut at this ball.

I have been eagerly anticipating 14 February for two reasons: first, to celebrate Goethe's seminal work with you, and second, so that we can pool our resources to purchase the ambulance.

I wish everyone involved – performers and guests alike – an enjoyable evening!

Dr. Tibor Navracsics
European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport
Principal Patron of the 2015 Faust Ball