The CoR today launched the 'Mayor Paweł Adamowicz Award for courage and excellence in promotion of freedom, solidarity and equality' to honour the legacy of former Mayor of Gdańsk and former EPP-CoR member who died following a brutal attack during a live charity event in January 2019.
Apostolos Tzitzikostas, CoR President and Governor of Central Macedonia, Greece said "The award is a homage to those working against intolerance, oppression, xenophobia and hate speech by promoting social integration and fundamental rights. This award recognises those who work for justice and democracy at the local level, those who build bridges and turn down walls, and those who pave the way for changes in favour of the weakest."
Ylva Johansson, European Commissioner for Home Affairs said "Paweł was one of you, he was a local leader and a European leader, he stood for freedom. We must prevent violent language from turning into violent action. We must encourage others to follow his example to thrive for respect and inclusion. You, local and regional authorities are best placed to make a difference in villages, towns and cities, at the heart of the EU."
MEP Magdalena Adamowicz said that this award is a symbol of how much we care about the EU. She stressed the need to fight for equality of every human being and the need to have the courage to defend equality. "This award allows us to remember that our wellbeing depends on cooperation and this requires trust and respect, and respect is only possible were all partners are equal and treated with dignity" she concluded. Alongside the CoR and the City of Gdans, MEP Magdalena Adamowicz thanked International Cities of Refuge Network (ICORN) which brought this idea into existence.
Alexandra Dulkiewicz, Mayor of Gdańsk said "Gdańsk shares the good. - These are the last words of Paweł Adamowicz, who was building a better world in spite of insensitivity, intolerance, hatred and violence. And we do the same - we share the good. Not only with our loved ones, not only with Gdańsk citizens. Solidarity and freedom are the values that have shaped Gdańsk and today’s need for real action and support for those whose rights are violated. And it doesn't matter where they come from, who they love, and who they pray to. We can see much more in our guests than just immigrants in need. For us, it is an opportunity to get to know them as artists, equal partners, valuable personalities, and simply as neighbours who are worth caring for and with whom it is worth to create a common future."
Olgierd Geblewicz, EPP-CoR President and President of West Pomerania Region said "Paweł Adamowicz's courage and determination to fight intolerance, radicalisation, and hate-speech as well as his perseverance and dedication to promote democracy, solidarity, freedom, equal opportunities, and fundamental rights is an example for all of us to follow. It is our duty to carry on his heritage to the future generations." Geblewicz added that Paweł Adamowicz was a true European, a true local leader working closely with his citizens and for the citizens. He stressed "I am sure that the Award will inspire local and regional leaders across the EU to follow his example."
