Posted on 23 September 2015
On Friday 18th September, the Historical Archives of the European Union (HAEU) hosted the award ceremony for the European Citizen's Prize 2015. This year the Italian winners were the Istituto Medicina Solidale Onlus, Don Michele De Paolis - Associazione Comunità sulla strada di Emmaus, Gaia Ferrara – Viandando and Medici con l'Africa – CUAMM.
The ceremony started with a performance of Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” by Quartetto Hyde from the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole. Then, Dieter Schlenker, Director of the HAEU gave a welcoming speech in which he addressed the winners, thanking them for their willingness and special efforts made to improve the lives of those who most need it, both inside and outside the Union, showing a true “European citizens’ spirit”. Mr. Schlenker pointed out that this European citizenship is not found exclusively in politics, but also on the streets. “It is in difficult times like these”, the director continued, “when it’s more important for the European Parliament to show its commitment and willingness to secure human rights”.
After this speech, Gian Paolo Meneghini, Director of the European Parliament Information Office in Italy, conveyed congratulations from the two Vice Presidents of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani and David Sassoli. Mr Meneghini stated that, through their everyday actions, the winners have succeeded in fulfilling their commitment to promote better mutual understanding and integration, not only within the member states, but outside of them, and described them as the "heart of Italy and Europe". Cristina Giachi, deputy mayor of Florence, added that these actions reflect the best of Europe and that the Institutions must live up to the ideals that marked the foundation of the European Union, which the documents deposited in the HAEU show. The ceremony was followed by the granting of the awards by the MEP Elena Gentile. She described the winners as citizens who give themselves to the others in order to restore the lost hope.
The Istituto di Medicina Solidale Onlus acknowledged the support and assistance given by Pope Francis in their everyday activities. Emmaus representatives highlighted the figure of founder Don Michele De Paolis and his principle of laicism as a way of working together in unity. Gaia Ferrara, from Associazione Viandando, stated the need to address the refugee situation and to remember all the people who have died in their way in search for a better life in Europe. Lastly, the organization Medici con l'Africa urged the European authorities and population not to forget the Ebola epidemic, which still affects many people in Africa.
The ceremony ended with a brief speech by Italian singer Niccolò Fabi, who stated his admiration for the work done by Medici con l'Africa, an association with which he has worked in the past. This was followed by the closing performance of Beethoven’s “Razumovsky” by Quartetto Hyde from the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole.
The European Citizen's Prize 2015 was launched by the European Parliament in 2008 to recognise 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 which reflect the values enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.
Pictures from the European Citizen's Prize 2015 - Italian Award Ceremony