24/06/2009 Prizes
Mr de Puig welcomed the enthusiasm shown by the European local authorities by taking part in the ceremony: 15 mayors from nine European countries have travelled to Strasbourg. The Diploma not only acknowledges the work done at European level by the prize-winning municipalities, but also serves as an incentive to develop it further through contacts with twin towns and other European partners.
The prize-winners are:
Belgium
Gooik (Flemish Brabant)
France
Arnage (Sarthe)
Plerguer (Ille-et-Vilaine)
Germany
Altenberge (North Rhine Westphalia) (winner in 2008)
Bacharach am Rhein (Rhineland-Palatinate)
Erlangen (Bavaria)
Flotwedel (Lower Saxony)
Leverkusen (North Rhine Westphalia)
Obersulm (Baden-Wurtemberg)
Hungary
Ajka
Italia
Salsomaggiore Terme (Prov. Parma)
Poland
Serock (woj. Mazowieckie)
Trzcinsko Zdrój (woj. Zachodniopomorskie)
Russia
Petrozavodsk (Carelia)
Spain
Sant Joan de Les Abadesses (Catalonia)
Terrassa (Catalonia)
United Kingdom
Chalfont St. Giles (Buckinghamshire)
Wigan (Lancashire)
The European Diploma was first presented by the Parliamentary Assembly in 1988. It rewards the efforts of municipalities which may then also be awarded the Flag of Honour, the Plaque of Honour and the Europe Prize (awarded in 2009 to the Turkish town of Ankara).