The EPP Group in the European Committee of the Regions (EPP-CoR) nominated the Mayors of Ukraine for the 2022 'Mayor Paweł Adamowicz Award for courage and excellence in the promotion of freedom, solidarity and equality'. The work of the Ukrainian Mayors in the nomination will be represented by the Association of Ukrainian Cities.

"We believe that this year the award must go to the brave Ukrainian Mayors who have shown extraordinary courage to defend freedom and European democratic values as well as for their work to protect civilians, provide humanitarian aid, ensure functioning utilities and provide social services in a situation of armed aggression. Many Ukrainian mayors have paid a high price for their courage – they were abducted and tortured, some have been murdered, in an attempt to intimidate and frighten Ukrainian citizens. Our nomination is a further testimony that we stand with Ukraine." said Olgierd Geblewicz, President of the EPP-CoR Group and President of Westpomerania Region.

The EPP-CoR Group through its Presidents of Regions and Mayors has supported Ukrainian Mayors from the very beginning of the war through tangible action, providing humanitarian aid, hosting refugees as well as organising summer camps for Children. The EPP-CoR Group has encouraged twinning between European cities and regions and Ukrainian counterparts to provide further support and also committed to use the expertise of its members to contribute in the reconstruction of Ukraine.

 

Paweł Adamowicz's legacy

Paweł Adamowicz paid the ultimate price for fighting hate speech and for working in favour of the integration of migrants. He was stabbed on 13 January 2019 while speaking at a charity event and died from his injuries the following day at the age of 53.

 

In 2021, the European Committee of the Regions launched the Mayor Paweł Adamowicz Award for courage and excellence in promotion of freedom, solidarity and equality.

 

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