The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) and its partners, the city of Gdańsk and International Cities of Refuge (ICORN), launched the 4th edition of the Mayor Paweł Adamowicz Award for courage and excellence in the promotion of freedom, solidarity and equality during the 161st CoR Plenary Session held on 19 and 20 June 2024.
In a year marked by elections for the European Parliament and in many countries around the world, as well as by two wars at Europe's doorstep, triggering disinformation, polarisation and even violence, the 2024 edition of the Award highlights more than ever the constant work of local representatives, civil society and ordinary citizens who, despite risks, threats or attacks, live to make democracy work at local and regional level by supporting better, more open communities which embrace and defend human rights.
10 CoR members or alternate members, or 10 Members of the European Parliament, Mayors, Presidents of local or regional councils, representatives of international organisations and national associations of local and regional authorities can submit nominations through the following online form. Self-nominations are not eligible. Please check the eligibility criteria.
The deadline for submitting nominations for the Award is 31 October 2024.
You can consult the Rules and Regulations of the Award containing the Award Criteria through the Award website.
The 2023 edition of the Mayor Paweł Adamowicz Award was concluded at the Award ceremony during the EU Regions Summit in Mons. The Italian NGO from Brescia, Local Democracy Agency Zavidovići, received the Award, for their 30-year-long work on integration of migrants, helping civilian populations in war and developing local democracy. A Special mention of the Jury was awarded to Alla Myronova, mayor of Inhulka, in Ukraine, for her courageous stand for her community, especially during Russian occupation.
Supporting the legacy of Mayor Paweł Adamowicz seems more important than ever: the partners of the award commit to continue shining a light on courage and solidarity in promotion of freedom, equality, solidarity and human rights.