At midday today the Secretary General’s team celebrated two birthdays, of Miguel and of Zoltan. As usual, a major attack was launched on my waistline and, as usual, the occasion and the participants were excellent examples of all that is good about Europe. Though we mostly happily forget the very special environment in which we work, I am always struck by the goegraphical and cultural  diversity that makes even a short office birthday celebration such a rich affair. Back row, left to right: Zoltan (Hungary), Jonna (Denmark), Martin (United Kingdom), Bernard (Belgium), Laura (Italy). Front row, left to right; Miguel (Spain), Anna (Slovakia), Fabrice (France). Not in the photograph: Julia, our current trainee (France).