European capitals welcome in 2010

Berlin’s Brandenburg gate made a more than apt setting for Germany’s celebrations.

Only a few weeks ago the same venue attracted thousands to mark the twentieth anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall and the creation of a united modern nation.

But one woman saw the start of the new year in more personal terms saying she hoped to stay healthy in the coming 12 months.

In Paris the Eiffel tower was lit up to look like a space rocket and “launched” the French city into 2010.

For Londoners the fireworks were perhaps a glimpse of what is in store for the staging of the Olympics in two years time.

Despite the display being two minutes shorter than last year as a nod to economy in these cash-strapped times, they did not disappoint.

While in Moscow its difficult to see how the spectacle of St Basil’s Cathedral in Red Square can ever be bettered, but the Muscovites certainly tried as they welcomed in the new decade with fireworks.

Copyright © 2012 euronews