The stunning opening ceremony showcased French culture, both historic and contemporary, along the River Seine. At one point, the EU flag, featuring 12 gold stars on a blue background, was prominently displayed, including around the Eiffel Tower.

Von der Leyen, who did not hesitate to praise the "global cooperation" and "solidarity" felt in the French capital. 

"Tonight we celebrate global cooperation, solidarity, justice, and athletic perseverance, like our European Union, the Olympic Games showcase the strength of diversity and team spirit," she wrote on X.

"Wishing all European athletes great success," added the leader, sharing an image of the Eiffel Tower with the 12 golden stars uniting the 27 states of the old continent.

During the opening act, two groups of dancers performed on a boat while stars appeared beneath their feet to form the European Union flag, as the popular 90s song "Freed from Desire" played. "Solidarity and inclusion sail along the Seine," expressed the EU's executive arm, led by von der Leyen, simultaneously on social media.

Paris celebrated the Olympics with an opening ceremony blending art, sport, and culture. The event featured a film with comedian Jamel Debbouze and footballer Zinedine Zidane at the Stade de France, followed by 85 boats transporting 6,500 participants along the Seine to Trocadero.

Directed by Thomas Jolly, the musical show included nearly 2,000 dancers and performances by global stars like Lady Gaga, who sang 'Mon truc en plumes.' The ceremony highlighted sexual diversity, praised by the President of the European Commission.

The most viral moment was a reenactment of Delacroix's 'Liberty Leading the People,' featuring a decapitated Marie Antoinette and music by the metal band Gojira, which some found disrespectful and out of context.

The Paris Olympics opening ceremony faced criticism from French MEP Marion Marechal, who said, “It's hard to appreciate the strange scenes with decapitated Marie Antoinettes, a trouple kissing, drag queens, the humiliation of the Republican Guard forced to dance with Aya Nakamura, the ugliness of the costumes and choreography.”

Jordan Bardella of the far-right National Rally also disapproved, stating, “What a disgrace! The opening of the Olympic Games is a looting of French culture," on social media. The far-right criticized singer Aya Nakamura and a drag queen performance of the Last Supper.

French President Emmanuel Macron officially opened the Games, declaring, "I proclaim open the Paris Games celebrating the XXXIII Olympiad of the modern era." Paris 2024 President Tony Estanguet remarked, “Although discrimination and conflicts will not cease with the Games, the athletes are proof of how beautiful humanity is when it comes together.”