From 10 to 12 June 2026, the General Assembly of the Association of Towns Awarded the Europe Prize and the accompanying Youth Forum took place in Gaziantep, Türkiye. Delegations from Altötting (Germany), Gaziantep (Türkiye), Gdynia (Poland), Ivano-Frankivsk (Ukraine), Lublin (Poland), Würzburg (Germany), Cockermouth (United Kingdom), Częstochowa (Poland), Faenza (Italy), Kharkiv (Ukraine), Mülheim an der Ruhr (Germany), Reggio Emilia (Italy), Terrassa (Spain), and Udine (Italy) participated in the event, both in person and online, together with Prisca Barthel representing the Council of Europe.
The City of Lublin delegation was headed by Krzysztof Stanowski, Director of the Centre for International Cooperation, representing Krzysztof Żuk, Mayor of the City of Lublin and President of the Association of Towns Awarded the Europe Prize.
Participants were welcomed by Sezer Cihan, Secretary General of Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality, representing Mayor Fatma Şahin. The Gaziantep delegation also included Zehra Ünal, Deputy Mayor, Feray Yılmaz, Deputy Mayor, Arif Seçkin, Deputy Mayor, and Ahmet Ertürk, Deputy Secretary General and expert of the Intercultural Cities Programme (ICC). The meeting was officially opened by Krzysztof Stanowski, Director of the Centre for International Cooperation of the City of Lublin. On behalf of the Council of Europe, Prisca Barthel from the Secretariat of the Council of Europe addressed the participants, congratulating Gaziantep on receiving the Europe Prize and welcoming Reggio Emilia as a new member of the Association. The proceedings were chaired by Krzysztof Stanowski.
Migration and Integration – Common Challenges for European Cities
This year’s discussions were held under the theme “Migration and Immigration: How to Act Responsibly at the Local Level – Challenges and Responses.” The debates focused on the role of local governments in addressing migration-related challenges, supporting integration, and building resilient and inclusive local communities.
Participants exchanged experiences concerning migration management, social integration, refugee support, and strengthening the resilience of local communities. Particular attention was devoted to the experience of Gaziantep, which for more than a decade has remained one of the most important host cities for refugees from Syria. The city has provided shelter and access to public services to hundreds of thousands of people while implementing a broad range of integration measures in education, employment, social assistance, and intercultural dialogue.
Participants also emphasized Gaziantep’s impressive ability to overcome crises. The city not only responded effectively to the challenges of large-scale migration but also demonstrated exceptional resilience following the devastating earthquakes of 2023, managing the reconstruction process while maintaining a high standard of public services for its residents. Great appreciation was also expressed for the city’s dynamic development, successfully combining modernization with the preservation of cultural heritage. As a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, Gaziantep effectively uses its rich historical and culinary heritage to strengthen its economic, tourism, and international appeal.
Reggio Emilia presented its long-standing experience in social integration and intercultural dialogue. Participants highlighted the importance of consistent, long-term municipal policies based on cooperation between local authorities, civil society organizations, educational institutions, and residents. It was stressed that successful integration requires stable institutional frameworks, the development of social trust, and investments in education, civic participation, and equal opportunities.
Ivano-Frankivsk drew attention to the challenges associated with the influx of internally displaced persons as a result of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Representatives of the city presented measures undertaken to support the integration of internally displaced people, including housing, educational, and social assistance, as well as initiatives aimed at professional activation and strengthening ties with local communities. An important element of the discussion also concerned support and integration programmes for war veterans returning to civilian life, which are becoming one of the key social challenges facing Ukrainian municipalities.
Change of Presidency of the Association
One of the most important items on the agenda was the election of the new leadership of the Association of Towns Awarded the Europe Prize. The City of Ivano-Frankivsk (Ukraine) was unanimously elected as the new President of the Association. Members of the Association congratulated the newly elected President, Mayor Ruslan Martsinkiv, and the citizens of Ivano-Frankivsk. They also expressed confidence that under his leadership the Association would continue to strengthen cooperation among European cities, promote shared values, and develop initiatives supporting solidarity and civic engagement.
The cities elected to the Presidium of the Association were Częstochowa (Poland), Gaziantep (Türkiye), Kharkiv (Ukraine), Lublin (Poland) as Vice-President, Mülheim an der Ruhr (Germany), Reggio Emilia (Italy), and Würzburg (Germany). Lublin will serve as Vice-President of the Association.
The Voice of the Younger Generation in Europe
An integral part of the event was the Youth Forum, organized by the City of Lublin in cooperation with the City of Würzburg. The five-day programme brought together 24 young leaders from Poland, Germany, Türkiye, and Ukraine.
The highlight of the Forum was the joint session of the General Assembly and the Youth Forum entitled “Youth Participation in the Digital Age: AI, Trust and Civic Engagement.” Young participants presented projects exploring the use of artificial intelligence in social initiatives, integration, education, and intercultural dialogue.
During the discussions, participants emphasized that artificial intelligence should support the development of civil society, strengthen social cohesion, and contribute to building more open and resilient local communities. More information about the Youth Forum is available on our website.
Study Visits and Bilateral Meetings
Participants also met with Fatma Şahin, Mayor of Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality. Discussions focused on the future priorities of the Association, Gaziantep’s role as a new member of the Bureau, and opportunities for further cooperation among member cities. The Mayor also presented the city’s experience in migration management, humanitarian assistance, smart city development, and climate policies.
An important part of the programme consisted of study visits, during which participants had the opportunity to learn about solutions implemented by the authorities of Gaziantep in the areas of urban development, social policies, innovation, and integration. Delegations visited, among others, the Data Coordination Centre and E-Sports Centre, the Müzeyyen Erkul Science Centre, and the city’s most important cultural and heritage institutions, including the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, the Atatürk Memorial Museum, the Panorama of the Heroic Defence of Gaziantep “25 Aralık”, the Turkish Bath (Hamam) Museum, the Toy and Games Museum, and the Emine Göğüş Culinary Museum. The programme also included a tour of the city’s historic centre.
An Important Voice in the European Debate
The meeting in Gaziantep reaffirmed the importance of international cooperation, dialogue among cities, and the joint search for solutions to the most pressing challenges facing contemporary Europe. Participants emphasized that solidarity, youth engagement, and the exchange of experiences remain the foundation of the activities of the Association of Towns Awarded the Europe Prize.
At the conclusion of the event, participants expressed their appreciation and gratitude to the authorities of Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality—Mayor Fatma Şahin, Secretary General Sezer Cihan, and all those involved in organizing the event—for their outstanding hospitality and the professional preparation of both the General Assembly and the Youth Forum.
