Lublin wins the 2017 Europe Prize

Each year the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) awards the highest level of the prize to the municipality, which is most actively engaged in promoting European ideals and values. This year's "Europe Prize 2017" was awarded to Lublin.

International cooperation in the economic, cultural and educational fields

Lublin has been cooperating with 25 twinned cities, located not only in Europe but also in North America, Israel and China. A multitude of projects implemented in cooperation with foreign partners as well as effective and productive international cooperation in strategic areas (economy, culture and education) were crucial elements that influenced the fact that the city was recognized by the PACE Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development as standing out among other cities in Europe. Moreover, Lublin organizes a range of celebrations to mark Europe Day, for instance a simulation of a session of the European Parliament for young people.

The hub of cultural and artistic life

Lublin was also appreciated as the hub of bustling cultural and artistic life. The Night of Culture, Central Europe Theatre Festival “Neighbors”, the International Dance Theatre Festival, the Magicians' Carnival or the Lublin Basket Cup are only examples from the abundant offer of events held annually and attracting the audience not only from the country but also from abroad.

The Eastern European Initiative Congress

The committee emphasized that Lublin regularly organizes the Eastern European Initiative Congress, which is an international platform of discourse between central authorities, local governments, representatives and decision-makers of academic environment and the non-governmental sector. In the field of European and international solidarity the city has been appreciated for its emergency humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and Georgia.

The "Europe Prize" is the highest distinction bestowed to European cities for their contribution to the promotion of European values. The "European Prize", which was launched by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in 1955, consists of a trophy, a medal, a diploma and a scholarship and a scholarship to be spent on a study visit to European institutions for young people from the winning town.

What is more, 10 Plaques of Honour, 8 Flags of Honour and 7 European Diplomas were awarded by the committee as a part of the Europe Prize.

Full details can be found here