In the plenary hall of the European Parliament, in Brussels, and to the sounds of the European anthem, the official award ceremony of the winners of the European Citizen Award 2023 took place yesterday.

From Greece, the award went to 21-year-old Andreas Alikaniotis, who officially received the award, representing the “Heroes of Tempo” and the “Ref Checkpoint initiative”, which welcomes refugees, migrants and asylum seekers for health advice and testing.

The prize is awarded annually by the European Parliament to projects organized by individuals or organizations that encourage mutual understanding and closer convergence between people in the EU, cross-border cooperation that builds a stronger European spirit and EU values ​​and fundamental rights.

Andreas Alikaniotis, from Byron and Ilia, traveled to Brussels and represented the entire heroic team, which moved Greece, saving dozens of lives through the fatal train, after the collision in Tempi. Andreas Alikaniotis managed together with Angelos Tsiamoura from Ierapetra, Crete, Michalis Klapsi from Leipsos, students, and Mr. George, a carpenter on Mount Athos, in conditions of unspeakable destruction, to save their fellow passengers, at the risk of their lives and self-denial.

For 2023, a total of 38 activities from the 27 member states (two from Greece) were selected and awarded, while a total of 216 projects participated in the competition process, concerning various topics, such as the creation of a human rights sculpture park in a school area, the creation of an EU songbook, a solidarity initiative created by a group of volunteers helping their fellow citizens affected by devastating floods, and many more.

The student of the School of Engineering of the Merchant Navy, in Michaniona, Andreas Alikaniotis, was accompanied to the plenary hall by the EPP MEP, Maria Spyrakis, who proposed the “Heroes of Tempo” for the award.

Mrs. Spyrakis congratulated Andreas Alikaniotis, stressing that “the bravery and sensitivity of the Heroes of Tempe showed solidarity at the risk of their lives, setting a bright example for all of us.”

In the conversation he had with him, he characteristically said: “Congratulations Andreas! May your parents be happy for you. You honored Greece and European values. It was my duty to nominate you for the European Citizen Award.”

After the event Mrs. Spyrakis gave Andreas Alikaniotis a tour of the European Parliament and “had an interesting conversation with him in her office and admired his ethics and integrity of character and heard the dreams of the young student of the Merchant Marine School of Michaniona who wants to to work in shipping and wished him health and strength to realize his dreams”.

It is recalled that, according to the conditions of the competition procedure, individual citizens, groups, associations or organizations can register their participation with their project or propose another project for an award. MEPs can also nominate a project for an award.