The Europe Prize
- Created by the Parliamentary Assembly in 1955, the Europe Prize is the highest distinction that can be bestowed on a European town for its actions in the European domain. It 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 municipality.
- It rewards municipalities for their active promotion of the European ideal (twinnings, European events, exchange visits, etc.), the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe offers every year four awards: the European Diploma, the Flag of Honour, the Plaque of Honour and the Europe Prize.
2018 Europe Prize is awarded to the Ukrainian town of Ivano-Frankivsk
The 2018 Europe Prize – awarded each year by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) to the town most active in promoting the European ideal – has been awarded to Ivano-Frankivsk in Ukraine.
Capital and centre of Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast, Ivano-Frankivsk is twinned with as many as 24 European cities. It has developed robust international co-operation in numerous fields, particularly in the domain of academic activities as Ivano-Frankivsk universities collaborate closely with many other European universities. The city also organises a range of thematic and festive events to mark Europe Day and the European Week of Local Democracy.
The city is renowned for its vibrant cultural life, attracting guests from all over Europe, notably to the International Blacksmiths Festival, Ivano-Frankivsk Half Marathon, the International Festival of Christmas Carols and the Days of Polish Culture. On the City Days, delegations from twin towns join the citizens of Ivano Frankivsk for festivities.

Five other towns, namely Bamberg and Münster in Germany, Cervia in Italy, Issy-les-Moulineaux in France, and Sopot 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 to European institutions for young people from the winning town.
The committee also awarded seven Plaques of Honour, eight Flags of Honour and sixteen European Diplomas – awards which also form part of the Europe Prize. More
New brochures
Winners since 1955
- Click here to discover more...
- List of winners of the Europe Prize since 1955
More
- Winners of other distinctions in 2018
- European diploma presentation ceremony photo gallery (French only)
- Press releases from previous years: 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010
- Distinctions from previous years: 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004
- Website: Association of towns awarded the Europe Prize
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The awarding of the various prize levels is progressive. Following the entry level European Diploma, applicant municipalities should subsequently apply for the Flag of Honour then the Plaque of Honour in order to compete at the highest level: the Europe Prize.
Click on the diagram to see more.
Practical information
Who may apply?
Any municipality in any of the Council of Europe 47 member States.
Deadline
Completed questionnaire to be submitted by 15 January 2019.
Validity of the application
Several years, but municipalities should provide the Secretariat with an update on their European activities.
How to apply for a higher award?
For each distinction the online form must be used. Please submit a report of the previous year's European activities, with press articles, to the Secretariat.
Selection
The Europe Prize Sub-Committee (composed of members of the Parliamentary Assembly) examines applications for all 4 distinctions at the end of April and submits its choice to the Parliamentary Assembly's Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development for approval. Winning municipalities are informed by post and/or e-mail. Confirmation and suggestions for organizing the ceremony follow by post.
Contacts
- 6.150+33/3 90.21.5118
- Facebook page


