The European Union has achieved uniting the countries of Europe while still retaining the cultural variety of its people. However, it might happen that cultures and traditions fade into oblivion over the centuries or may not be practiced due to political situations. This is what has happened to classical Chinese art.
In my function as a Chairman in the European Parliament of the delegation for the relations with the peninsula of Korea, I was entitled in the last years to be a frequent guest in Asia. Thereby, I also learned to know and admire the traditional Chinese culture.
The European Union, a unique project of peace, prominently shows that goals can be reached together by having understanding and openness toward persons from different cultures and traditions. Therefore it makes me particularly happy as a European Delegate that the cultural association "ArsCAra" enables Austrians to learn more about a far away culture by bringing the "Shen Yun Chinese Spectacular".
My name is Karin Resetarits and I am a delegate of the European Parliament. Before I became a politician, I had worked for many years as a culture journalist for the Austrian television ORF. With my political activity I have realized how vital the cultural exchange between nations is. Art overcomes barriers, which still exist in the minds of many people and which are usually of political origin.
I hope in the New Year kind-hearted Chinese will fulfill their wishes, defeating the people who are violating human rights. Most important is that people are respected, and diversity of belief and culture can be realized in China. If so, it means a great opportunity. I sincerely wish you success.
I am the President of the European Parliament. The European Parliament has 785 members from 27 European Union countries. So the members are representing almost 500 million people in the European Union. 
Vice President of the European Parliament 
