By Heide Newson
After a two-year break due to the pandemic, Baden-Württemberg’s traditional New Year’s reception took place in Brussels, and for the first time in the superbly renovated state representation, which included the former Goethe Institute.
Winfried Kretschmann, Prime Minister of Baden-Württemberg, and Minister for Europe Florian Hassler invited the guests, and more than 700 guests came to a full, great program. The guests, including high-ranking representatives from industry and business, diplomacy, EU institutions, etc., had to wait in a long queue in front of the entrance door to be admitted in wintry temperatures. But that was quickly forgotten when an aperitif was offered as a welcome upon entering the new premises. With this in hand we went down the stairs to the cloakroom, where we had to be patient.
The many guests were greeted by a beaming father of the country, who mingled with his cabinet colleagues among the crowd of guests, spread a good mood and then gave a well-received speech. The Green politician went into the extent of the earthquake in the Turkish-Syrian border area and promised help. He also spoke of a global economy that was reorienting itself, with trade conflicts and stagnant supply chains. “Important markets are increasingly closing themselves off or at least making it difficult for international providers, such as the USA with the Inflation Reduction Act,” he said. This should not lead to companies leaving Europe. A good European answer is needed. Kretschmann promoted an intensification of green technologies in order to achieve climate neutrality. Despite the many adversities and other problems, the climate crisis has lost none of its urgency, it is a global human task of unknown proportions. Kretschmann also addressed the war in Ukraine. Putin miscalculated. Europe stands united. After further welcoming speeches, gigantic buffets with delicious local specialties were opened punctually at 8:30 p.m., on which the famous Maultaschen were of course not missing.
„The Land” spoiled its guests with high-quality gastronomy and grape juices to fall in love with. What Baden-Württemberg has to offer in terms of regional specialties was presented at small stands such as the Allgäu Emmentalkäserei, the Ammertäler butcher Egeler or the Schmid bakery.
Another culinary highlight was the opening of the dessert buffet and the cutting of the world-famous Black Forest cake. This absolute classic among cakes, a calorie bomb on three tiers, with tons of whipped cream, cherries and a state coat of arms decorated with chocolate, was ceremoniously cut by Winfried Kretschmann. And the work of art almost fell off the table while it was being prepared. “My hands are still shaking,” said Jessica Becker afterwards. She had never baked such a big cake. The delicious gem weighed 45 kg, which neither Kretschmann, his Minister of the Interior Thomas Strobl, nor Minister of Agriculture Peter Hauk had guessed. The politicians were more knowledgeable when it came to the alcohol content of the mega cake. Kretschmann guessed 2.3 liters of kirsch, Hauk 2.2 liters. In fact, it was two liters.