On 22 January 2024, the first group of pupils from Bolesławiec primary schools set off on a trip to Strasbourg (France): 33 pupils from 7 Bolesławiec primary schools accompanied by 4 teachers. The departure of the second group was planned for June this year. The pupils selected by the schools can boast outstanding academic results and other achievements, as well as a very good command of English.
The pupils will be hosted at the European Youth Centre. The programme includes visits to the Council of Europe and the European Parliament, as well as sightseeing in the city. The young people will also have lunch with Carmen Leyte, chair of the Subcommittee on the Europe Prize, who led the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe delegation during the Europe Prize ceremony in Bolesławiec.
The trip will last until 24 January. Its purpose is to introduce the participants to the European institutions in Strasbourg, present the Council of Europe’s operations, mission and achievements, provide information about the work of the European Parliament, and explore Strasbourg’s tourist attractions.
It is worth recalling that the 2023 Europe Prize was won by the Polish city of Bolesławiec. The prize is awarded annually by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe to one city that promotes the idea of a united Europe most effectively. On 18 August 2023, the Europe Prize—the highest of the four trophies awarded—was presented at the Forum cinema in Bolesławiec. Each year, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe awards trophies that cities pursue in succession, beginning with the European Diploma, followed by the Flag of Honour and the Plaque of Honour, and culminating in the main prize—the Europe Prize. In Bolesławiec, the process of seeking the main prize lasted 15 years. Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe attended the Europe Prize ceremony, led by Carmen Leyte, chair of the Subcommittee on the Europe Prize. She presented the highest trophy—the traveling “Europe Prize 2023” statuette—to Bolesławiec Mayor Piotr Roman, accompanied by the youngest residents of Bolesławiec, and to Bolesławiec City Council Chair Józef Pokład. The ceremony was preceded by a screening of the film “We Live in Europe—Europe Is in Us!”, depicting the contemporary history of Bolesławiec: a multicultural city actively involved in numerous projects with European partners and a city that became a refuge for people fleeing the war in Ukraine.
In 2022, Bolesławiec and its partner cities jointly signed the “Solidarity with Ukraine” declaration. Projects carried out by Bolesławiec focus on many topics and target groups, particularly young people, cultural heritage and exchanges within networks of European ceramic cities. Bolesławiec has ten partner cities in Europe: Prnjavor (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Česká Lípa (Czech Republic), Mariagerfjord (Denmark), Nogent-sur-Marne (France), Pirna (Germany), Siegburg (Germany), Vallecorsa (Italy), Acuto (Italy), Molde (Norway) and Zbaraż (Ukraine). Bolesławiec cooperates internationally with a network of more than 150 cities and institutions. The official part was followed by a special presentation of the Europe Prize during the parade “We Live in Europe, Europe Is in Us.”
About the Europe Prize
The highest European award for cities and municipalities. The Europe Prize was established in 1955 by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in Strasbourg to reward cities and municipalities that are particularly active in promoting the European ideal. Awarded annually, the Europe Prize is open to cities and municipalities in the 46 Council of Europe member states, regardless of their size or population. It achieved immediate success in the years following the Second World War, when numerous French and German cities and municipalities applied for it to strengthen new friendly ties after the events of the past. In the 1990s, as a result of changes in Eastern Europe, new countries joined the Council of Europe, enabling more cities to apply for the Europe Prize. Over the years, the Europe Prize has continued to enjoy popularity, inspiring both small municipalities and large cities and engaging numerous European countries. The Europe Prize is awarded to cities and municipalities that stand out through their commitment to Europe, twinning activities, exchanges in education, culture and sport, the organisation of European events, membership in municipal or local-authority organisations, and solidarity initiatives. It helps cities and municipalities become more visible on the European stage and establish new links with other municipalities. Prize winners also receive a €20,000 cheque, enabling many young people to visit European institutions in Strasbourg.