On June 22 the Jan Nowak-Jeziorański Prize has been awarded to Javier Solana, Spanish politician and diplomat, former Secretary-General of NATO, High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, and Secretary-General of the Council of the European Union.
Javier Solana has been awarded the Jan Nowak-Jeziorański Prize in recognition of his efforts in fostering a united and secure Europe, with a particular emphasis on supporting the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of Central and Eastern European states. This recognition comes as Poland celebrates the 25th anniversary of joining NATO and, along with ten other countries, the 20th anniversary of its accession to the EU. Jan Nowak-Jeziorański, founder of the College of Eastern Europe, regarded these achievements as Poland’s ultimate steps in rejoining the European community, which he considered the crowning achievement of his life’s mission. During this pivotal time, Solana, serving as NATO Secretary-General and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, played a significant role in helping Poland realise its aspirations.
Upon learning of the awarding of the prize, Javier Solana expressed his gratitude, stating:
The ceremony for the award was held on Saturday, June 22, 2024, in the Ossolineum Courtyard.
The Jan Nowak-Jeziorański Prize is jointly awarded by the College of Eastern Europe, City of Wrocław, Ossoliński National Institute, and the University of Wrocław upon individuals who demonstrate a profound dedication to the concept of the state as a collective good and advocate for democratic progress in Central and Eastern Europe. This distinguished award is customarily presented every June, marking the historic event of the first partially free elections in 1989. This momentous occasion symbolises the onset of democratisation in Eastern Europe and the subsequent dissolution of communism.
