The European Citizen's Prize 2014 at the Historical Archives of the EU

The Information Office of the European Parliament in Italy and the Historical Archives of the European Union are organising the 2014 European Citizen’s Prize Ceremony that will take place on Friday 12 December 2014 from 10:00 to 13:00, at the Historical Archives of the European Union in Villa Salviati, Florence.

The European Citizen's Prize was launched by the European Parliament in 2008 to recognise exceptional achievements by European citizens:  the prize is awarded to individuals or groups for their outstanding contributions to either facilitating cross-border cooperation within the EU or promoting better mutual understanding and closer integration between citizens and member states. The Prize may also be awarded for day-to-day activities reflecting the values enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.

In the 2014 edition, the Italian winners of the Prize are:

• The Association “Libera”, for its actions and initiatives against organized crime,
• The Citizens of Lampedusa Island, as an outstanding example of European solidarity towards refugees,
• Maria De Biase, Dean of the Istituto Comprensivo Teodoro Gaza in San Giovanni a Piro, for her commitment to raise her students’ awareness on climate change issues,
• The Association SOSERM SOS Emergenza Rifugiati Milano, for the assistance provided to refugees in Milan,
• The “SOS Scuola” campaign by the association “Alveare Cinema”, for their school exchange programme inspired by the values of European cooperation and solidarity.

Please find below the programme of the event:

10.00 : Musical prelude by cellist aul Richmond-Rakerd, Scuola di Musica di Fiesole

• Welcome address, Pasquale Ferrara, Secretary General, European University Institute         
• Introductory remarks, Daniel Ractliffe, Director of the European Parliament Information Office in Italy
• Presentation of the Historical Archives of the European Union, Dieter Schlenker, Director of the Historical Archives of the European Union

10.30 : Award Ceremony – awarding of the "European Citizen Prize 2014" to the Italian winners

Musical interlude by cellist Saul Richmond-Rakerd, Scuola di musica di Fiesole

11.30 : Closure of the ceremony

Musical closure by cellist Saul Richmond-Rakerd, Scuola di musica di Fiesole

12.15 : Visit to the Historical Archives of the European Union

13.00 : Cocktail reception in the Grotto of Villa Salviati

How to reach Villa Salviati

If you wish to attend, please register by emailing [email protected] by 9 December 2014.