The Mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem İmamoğlu, has been awarded the fifth edition of the Mayor Paweł Adamowicz Award, recognising his commitment to democracy, local governance and the rule of law. The jury also granted special recognition to Mary Crilly, founder and director of the Sexual Violence Centre in Cork, Ireland, for her longstanding dedication to supporting victims of sexual violence. The award ceremony brought together representatives from European institutions and local governments to honour individuals who demonstrate courage in defending democratic values, human rights and the rule of law.
Magdalena Adamowicz (PL/EPP), Member of the European Parliament, underlined the significance of the award and the personal sacrifices made by those defending democratic values: “The award named after Mayor Paweł Adamowicz, my murdered husband, is not just a mere gesture. It must be our commitment. You must see those who are paying a personal price for the values that we all must learn to defend again with courage and at all costs. Ekrem, you are paying the price. We must not allow you to be left alone. We must not allow that only courageous individuals defend values that none of us would want to live without. Because if you want to be respected, defend democracy. Because if you want equal rights, defend democracy. Because if you want to be safe, defend democracy.”
Aleksandra Dulkiewicz (PL/EPP), Mayor of the City of Gdańsk and Member of the European Committee of the Regions, stressed the importance of recognising those who defend democratic values in practice: “By honouring individuals such as Ekrem İmamoğlu and Mary Crilly from Ireland, we recognise those who defend the values on which the European Union is built and that many citizens aspire to: human rights, democracy, free speech, independent media and independent courts. These were values very close to the heart of Mayor Paweł Adamowicz. I am very pleased that by awarding the prize today to the Mayor of Istanbul and to Mary Crilly, founder of the Sexual Violence Centre in Cork, we ensure that the memory of Paweł Adamowicz continues — not as something preserved in a museum, but as a living memory carried forward every day through our actions.”
Jelena Drenjanin, long-standing member of the jury of the Mayor Paweł Adamowicz Award and Chair of the European Committee of the Regions’ Working Group on Türkiye, highlighted the broader significance of the award and the need to defend democratic principles and equality across Europe: “This award symbolises Europe’s firm commitment to democracy, freedom of expression and strong local democracy. At the same time, we remain concerned about the current state of local democratic governance in Turkey and the pressure faced by opposition figures. We must also continue addressing the persistent problem of gender-based violence and discrimination against women across Europe. Such injustices remain unacceptable, and institutions and policymakers must consistently support those who defend democracy and combat gender-based violence.”
The Mayor Paweł Adamowicz Award, now in its fifth edition, was established by the European Committee of the Regions in cooperation with the City of Gdańsk and the International Cities of Refuge Network (ICORN). It recognises local leaders – in politics or civil society – who stand up against autocracy, intolerance, hate speech and xenophobia. The award honours elected representatives, public officials, organisations and ordinary citizens who, despite threats and pressure, work to strengthen democracy at the local level and build more open and inclusive communities.
Background
Paweł Adamowicz, Mayor of Gdańsk, was stabbed on 13 January 2019 while delivering a speech at a charity event. His assassination was preceded by an escalation of hate speech directed against him. His last words, spoken just before the attack, were: “Gdańsk is generous, Gdańsk shares its good, Gdańsk wants to be a city of solidarity. It's a great time to share good. You are loved. Gdańsk is the most wonderful city in the world. Thank you!” Paweł Adamowicz was strongly committed to promoting the European Union’s fundamental values, including democracy, solidarity and openness. He was also an active member of the European Committee of the Regions.