Mike de Vries, Chief Executive of FC Deutschland GmbH and coordinator of the Germany – Land of Ideas initiative commented on the event: “We are pleased to be able to celebrate the start of this important year together with guests from around the world. 2006 has given us an excellent opportunity to present Germany as an attractive and cosmopolitan country. We must and will take advantage of that opportunity.”

The welcome celebration at Platz des 18. März will serve as the official highlight of the traditional New Year’s Eve party between the Victory Column and the Brandenburg Gate. The Land of Ideas info truck will arrive just in time for the event. The truck has been on the road since November visiting the twelve World Cup venues. The Land of Ideas Germany Tour 2005 will give people the chance to learn about the initiative and participate in the big trivia and sport competition to crown Berlin’s City Champion. On 31 December, all City Champions of the cities visited by the Tour will vie for the title of National Champion.

Germany – Land of Ideas is a joint campaign mounted by the German government in conjunction with the business community, represented by the Federation of German Industries (BDI). The aim of the initiative is to present Germany at home and abroad as an innovative, cosmopolitan and enthusiastic country. German President Horst Köhler is the patron of the initiative, and FC Deutschland GmbH and its Chief Executive Mike de Vries are coordinating the initiative. Land of Ideas is also supported by numerous German companies and associate partners from the spheres of science, culture and society.

Please see this website for current information on the initiative, projects and FanClub Germany.