King Eric of Pomerania International Award 2026 (4th edition)

On June 5, 2026, the Castle of the Pomeranian Dukes in Darłowo will host the award ceremony for the King Eric of Pomerania International Prize. This year’s laureate is Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, leader of the democratic opposition in Belarus and chair of the United Transitional Cabinet. The jury honored her for her efforts to promote democratic change in Belarus and to build the country’s relations with the European community. The ceremony will begin at 1:00 p.m. TVP INFO will broadcast the event live. The King Eric of Pomerania International Award is granted for outstanding contributions to building peace, cooperation, and unity in Europe. Its first recipient in 2023 was Prof. Jerzy Buzek, former Prime Minister of Poland and President of the European Parliament. In 2024, the award was presented to Romano Prodi, former Prime Minister of Italy and President of the European Commission, and Aleksander Kwaśniewski, President of Poland from 1995 to 2005. A year ago, Vera Jourová, former Vice-President of the European Commission, was honored for her efforts to protect civil rights, the rule of law, and media freedom. This year’s event also includes open meetings with members of the Chapter and the laureate. On June 13 at 5:00 p.m. at the Castle of the Pomeranian Dukes, a debate will be held titled “Why was Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya chosen as this year’s laureate? Why did the Chapter decide to honor a figure representing a free Belarus?” Confirmed participants include Adam Michnik, Ambassador Andrzej Byrt, West Pomeranian Province Marshal Olgierd Geblewicz, and Rev. Prof. Alfred Wierzbicki. On June 14, an open-air concert by the band NAVIBAND is scheduled in the castle courtyard (2:00 p.m.), followed by a debate featuring Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya (3:00 p.m.). The meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss the situation in Belarus, the challenges facing the democratic opposition, and the country’s place in the future of Europe. The King Eric of Pomerania International Award was established by the King Eric of Pomerania Foundation. Its aim is to honor individuals who, through their activities, contribute to strengthening cooperation between nations, defending democratic values, and building the European community.