​The 153rd plenary session of the European Committee of the Regions, held in Brussels on 8th February, saw the Paweł Adamowicz Award ceremony as one of its key agenda points. The award was presented to the municipality of Michałowo in Poland, for its citizens' efforts in providing support for refugees at the border with Belarus. The award was created to promote the legacy of 20-year Mayor of Gdańsk, Paweł Adamowicz, and was presented to the Mayor of Michałowo, Marek Nazarko.

The ceremony was attended by several prominent figures, including Ylva Johansson, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Magdalena Adamowicz, Member of the European Parliament, and Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, Mayor of Gdańsk. Henriette Reker, Mayor of Cologne, Oleksandr Slobozhan, Executive Director of the Association of Ukrainian Cities, and Christopher Gribble, Chair of the Board of Directors of the International Cities of Refuge Network, were also present at the event.

Dariusz Strugała, Vice-President of the European Alliance, made a statement during the ceremony, congratulating the officials of Michałowo for their work in defense of freedom and for standing up against oppression. He expressed his hope that the award will raise awareness about the difficult situation in the border regions of Eastern Poland. Strugała also commended the award committee's decision to recognize Mayor of Hola Prystan - Oleksandr Babych - who was abducted by Russian forces and is currently incarcerated in Russia.

In conclusion, the Mayor Paweł Adamowicz Award ceremony was a powerful demonstration of solidarity and recognition for the efforts made by the locals of Michałowo in helping refugees against all odds. The award is a testament to the commitment of individuals and communities to humanity, promoting freedom and standing against tyranny, xenophobia, and injustice.