President of Lithuania Wins the European of the Year Award
Today, President of the Republic of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus participated in a gala dinner at the Palais d’Egmont in Brussels (Kingdom of Belgium), which hosted the ceremony of EV50, the Europeans of the Year Awards, organized by The Economist group weekly European Voice.
The winners were announced at the dinner, attended by around 200 high-ranking persons, including members of the European Parliament, Commissioners, heads of state, and prominent EU officials.
From 50 nominees in nine categories, the President of Lithuania was selected the absolute winner of this award. It is the first time that the European of the Year Award goes to a representative of a new EU member state.
“I am convinced that a young and small European Union country can achieve a lot. I am delighted as a representative and head of state of Lithuania to have contributed to resolving one of the major EU problems related to the Constitution and its future. We, the negotiators, very well remember the night of discussions in June in Brussels, which taught us the best lesson that the European Union can come to a consensus even on the most difficult issues. I would like to thank the heads of Poland, who understood the importance of this historic agreement, as well as my fellow-colleagues German Chancellor Angela Merkel and President of France Nicolas Sarkozy, who helped to find the solution suitable to the European Union.
I would also like to extend my thanks to citizens of the European Union countries and my compatriots who supported my nomination and efforts. I have to admit that together with you I feel confident about assuming the mission of a negotiator. It is a sign and guidance to everybody – do not fear challenges and jointly overcome arising difficulties,” said President of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus.
Every year EV50 nominations honor 50 Europeans who merited to the European Union in nine categories – the European Commissioner, Member of the European Parliament, Statesman/Stateswoman, Diplomat, Campaigner, Business Leader, Achiever, Journalist, and Non-EU Citizen. Nominees are selected by senior editors of the European Voice together with an advisory panel which this year included the Swedish Foreign Minister, former heads of Belgium and Malta, professors, and representatives of The Economist group. The magazine organizes the European of the Year Awards since 2001.
Last year, the European of the Year Award was granted to the President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso.
