On May 15, 2025, in the Aula Magna of the Catholic University “Our Lady of Good Counsel” in Tirana, the official presentation of the CESPIC Peace Prize was held. The initiative, promoted by the Our Lady of Good Counsel Foundation and coordinated by the European Centre for Peace, Integration and Cooperation Studies (CESPIC), was organized in collaboration with the Balkans Caucasus Transeuropa Observatory / Centre for International Cooperation (OBCT/CCI).
During the ceremony, the jury—composed of distinguished experts—was introduced. It will be responsible for selecting the recipients of this prestigious annual award, dedicated to individuals and organizations committed to the promotion of peace, with particular attention to the Balkans region. The Prize will be awarded in November; the exact date of the ceremony will be announced at a later time.
Speakers included:
– Fr. Ruggero Valentini, President of the Foundation
– Prof. Raul Caruso, Director of CESPIC
Video messages and greetings were also shared by Dr. Luisa Chiodi, Director of OBCT/CCI, and Mons. Gjergj Meta, President of the Episcopal Conference of the Catholic Church in Albania. Both offered deep reflections on the value of dialogue and the importance of a constant commitment to peacebuilding.
The launch of the Prize, which coincided with the European Political Community Summit held in Tirana, further reinforced the message of a shared commitment to a future based on peace and cooperation across Europe.
