(AGENPARL) - Roma, 26 Aprile 2023 - (AGENPARL) – mer 26 aprile 2023 [coe-pa]
PRESS RELEASE
Communication Division
PA 034 (2023)
2023 Europe Prize awarded to Boles?awiec
Boles?awiec is a city of 90 000 inhabitants in western Poland, at the crossroads of the Czech Republic and German borders. The city is a melting pot of cultures and has become a refuge for many Ukrainians fleeing the war. In 2022, the city’s foreign partners joined forces in a support action and signed the declaration of Solidarity with Ukraine.
The city is highly involved in numerous EU-funded projects with a diverse range of European partners. The city’s programmes focus on various topics and target audiences, particularly young people, cultural heritage, and exchanges within the network of European Ceramics cities.
Every year, the city hosts the Ceramics Festival, which attracts thousands of Europeans, and the International Ceramics and Sculpture Workshop. Boles?awiec is also a member of two cultural routes of the Council of Europe: the destination Napoleon Route and the European Route of Ceramics.
During its 800 years of turbulent history, it has been alternately Polish, Prussian, German, and then Polish again. After the communist period, the city overcame economic collapse to become a modern, multicultural city open to international cooperation.
The city has ten twin towns in Europe, including Prnjavor (Bosnia and Herzegovina), ?eská Lípa (Czech Republic), Mariagerfjord (Denmark), Nogent-sur-Marne (France), Pirna (Germany), Siegburg (Germany), Vallecorsa (Italy), Acuto (Italy), Molde (Norway), and Zbarazh (Ukraine). Additionally, Boles?awiec cooperates internationally with a network of over 150 cities and institutions.
Four other towns – Rambouillet in France, Bamberg in Germany, Palanga in Lithuania, and Odesa in Ukraine – were shortlisted for the Prize, and the Committee commended their applications.
Established in 1955 by PACE, the Europe Prize is the highest distinction awarded to a European town for its actions in the European domain. The Prize includes a trophy, a medal, a diploma, and a scholarship to be spent on a study visit to European institutions for young people from the winning town.
—————————————————————
Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
The Assembly brings together 306 members from the national parliaments of the 46 member states. President: Tiny Kox (Netherlands, UEL) – Secretary General of the Assembly: Despina Chatzivassiliou-Tsovilis. Political groups: SOC (Socialists, Democrats and Greens Group); EPP/CD (Group of the European People’s Party); ALDE (Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe); EC/DA (European Conservatives Group & Democratic Alliance); UEL (Group of the Unified European Left).
Council of Europe/Conseil de l’Europe, Avenue de l’Europe, Strasbourg, . 67000 France