Reggio Emilia Wins Council of Europe Prize for Promoting Values
Reggio Emilia wins Europe Prize
Reggio Emilia has won the Europe Prize, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe announced, marking the highest honor the body awards annually to a municipality for promoting European values, peace, and human solidarity.
Delegation visits Emilian capital to present honor
An Assembly delegation will visit the Emilian capital on Thursday, November 12, and Friday, November 13, to present the honor. The formal presentation ceremony is scheduled for Friday, November 13, at the Valli Theatre. Mayor Marco Massari will receive the distinction from Joseph O’Reilly, vice-president of the Sub-Committee on the Europe Prize.
Council of Europe honors local institutions for international cooperation
The award recognizes local institutions, led by the Municipality of Reggio Emilia and Fondazione E35, alongside the wider community, for advancing international exchanges and cooperation. Representatives from Reggio Emilia’s partner and twin cities, as well as local high school students, will attend the ceremony. The Council of Europe grants the honor to symbolize reconciliation, European unity, and international solidarity.
Reggio Emilia celebrates 2025 milestones and previous distinctions
Reggio Emilia holds previous distinctions from the Council of Europe, including the European Diploma, the Flag of Honour, and the Plaque of Honour. The award specifically recognizes activities undertaken throughout 2025. These efforts included celebrating Europe Day on May 9, promoting European ideals, fostering international solidarity, expanding town-twinning relationships, joining local government networks, and participating in European projects.
Centenary of Giuseppe Soncini
The award coincides with the centenary of the birth of Giuseppe Soncini. Soncini, alongside former mayor Renzo Bonazzi, drove Reggio Emilia’s early international twinning initiatives and global collaborations, particularly with Mozambique and South Africa.
Strasbourg study visits for students
The prize provides funding for approximately twenty local students participating in the European Young Multiplier program to visit Council of Europe institutions in Strasbourg during the spring of 2027. Officina Educativa, Fondazione E35, and the Eurodesk Centre will select the participants.
Educational policy inspections
International delegations will use the two-day visit to examine local educational policies and projects run by Officina Educativa and Fondazione E35. Scheduled stops include the Eurodesk office on Via Cassoli, the Loris Malaguzzi International Centre, the Remida Centre, the civic museums, and the Valli Theatre.
Reggio Emilia maintains global twin-city relationships
Reggio Emilia maintains twin-city relationships with twelve municipalities worldwide: Bydgoszcz in Poland, Dijon in France, Schwerin in Germany, Zadar in Croatia, Girona in Spain, Fort Worth in the United States, Chisinau in Moldova, Kragujevac in Serbia, Polokwane in South Africa, Pemba in Mozambique, Beit Jala in Palestine, and Sarajevo Centar in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Friendship pacts and solidarity agreements are also active with the African National Congress, established in 1977, alongside Rio Branco in Brazil, Rizhao in China, Smara in the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, and Melitopol-Zaporizhzhia in Ukraine. The Municipality of Reggio Emilia promotes the event in collaboration with Fondazione E35 and sponsorship from E80 Group spa.