| Patron |
Greeting of Prof. Dr. Hans-Gert Pöttering
Prof. Dr. Hans-Gert Pöttering The peaceful coexistence of people from different cultural circles can only succeed when isolation and confrontation are overcome and more openness and exchange is developed. Only when people communicate with each other openly, can we come closer together and develop understanding of each other. So-called parallel societies, in which people of different origins live besides each other, have no place in a Europe which is increasingly growing together on the basis of common values. Despite all barriers in everyday life, I remain optimistic: the open borders and the lively variety of languages, cultures and regions represent enrichment for all of us in Europe. However, a climate of discussion and tolerance can only flourish when television and the other media report in a true-to-life and responsible manner. Therefore, the CIVIS Media Prize,which honours convincing contributions on radio and television from all EU countries and Switzerland, has earned the support of all of us, in fact it is indispensable! The Slovenian capital of Ljubljana is an inspiring venue for the presentation of the prizes, which will be the highlight of the television broadcast. Slovenia is a unique hub between Central Europe and the Western Balkans. Here there is a developed appre - cia tion of the diverse cultures and identities of the peoples of the region. That generates impulses for everyone involved from journalism, culture and politics – and hopefully also for those citizens who follow the event on radio or television. Patron Prof. Dr. Hans-Gert Pöttering President of the European Parliament |
