This year, the three Baltic States, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia, have been designated for the prestigious award for their significant contribution to the peaceful and democratic development of the region.
“The Peace Prize is a reminder to the whole world about the strong spirit and perseverance of the people in the Baltic States on their way to freedom. Looking at the 21st century, the Prize is a powerful stimulus behind to remember the most important thing, the importance of peace in Europe, in our everyday hurry and the individual interests of each country,” emphasised the President of Latvia when receiving the Prize.
The President of Latvia also said in his speech, “I am convinced that our common future lies in a united Europe where close cooperation, solidarity, and determination to achieve the goals set rule. A united Europe based on common values, freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. We can only be so strong in order to take advantage of today's opportunities and face up to today's challenges. "
The Westfalen Peace Prize was founded in 1998 and is awarded every two years as a special meritorium for peacebuilding in Europe and in the world.
