24/04/2013 Prizes
Strasbourg, 24.04.2013 – The 2013 Europe Prize – awarded each year by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) to towns or cities most active in promoting the European ideal – has been awarded jointly to the towns of Altötting in Germany and Tata in Hungary.
Situated in Bavaria, Altötting is twinned with Loreto in Italy and Fatima in Portugal. A pilgrim city, it has developed many exchanges, in particular between young people and students, and has hosted major events as part of its association with other European pilgrim towns in the “Shrines of Europe” Association.
The city of Tata, in the district of Komarom-Esztergom, has developed an extensive network of diverse exchanges with its nine twin towns. More than 60 events organised in 2012 have enabled many cultural, sporting and school exchanges, making Tata a model for Hungary in promoting the European ideal at local level.
Two other towns, Poznan and Slupsk in Poland, were also shortlisted for the Prize, and the committee commended their applications.
Created by PACE in 1955, the Europe Prize is the highest distinction that can be bestowed on a European town for its actions in the European domain. The prize consists of a trophy, a medal, a diploma and a scholarship to be spent on a study visit within Europe for young people from the winning town.
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The committee also awarded 11 Plaques of Honour, 18 Flags of Honour and 26 European Diplomas – awards which also form part of the Europe Prize. Full details here.