Potsdam receives honorary flag from the Council of Europe: celebration on December 1st!

Potsdam receives honorary flag from the Council of Europe: celebration on December 1st!

Potsdam will be awarded the Council of Europe’s flag of honor in a solemn ceremony on December 1, 2025. This award follows the awarding of the European Diploma in 2024 and recognizes the city's commitment to the European idea as well as its commitment to international exchange and town twinning. The ceremonial handover will take place at 4 p.m. in the Potsdam City and State Library, and citizens are cordially invited to attend. Serdar Yüksel, member of the Bundestag and member of the German delegation to the Council of Europe, will present the flag, while Torsten Wiegel, deputy for education, culture, youth and sport, will accept the award on behalf of Mayor Noosha Aubel.

The event not only promises a festive setting, but also offers a deep insight into current European issues. Following the award ceremony, the Potsdam Europe Dialogue will take place at 6 p.m. Under the title “Hybrid Threats to Democracy in Europe,” experts and panelists will shed light on exciting aspects of today’s political landscape. The event, organized by the city of Potsdam in collaboration with the Europa-Zentrum Potsdam, highlights the challenges that cyberattacks, disinformation and hybrid strategies pose for democratic institutions. The discussants include, among others, Prof. Dr. Christian Dörr, Nico Marquardt and Dr. Wilfried Peters, moderated by Katja Sinko.

Invitation to participate

Potsdam's commitment to European values ​​is also reflected in the planned application for the Council of Europe's European Prize in 2026. The prize, which comes with prize money of 20,000 euros, is intended to promote visits by young Potsdam residents to European institutions. In order to achieve this award, the city must demonstrate that it undertakes concrete activities to maintain town twinning and to hold European events. This also includes Europe Day, which is celebrated every year.

Recent developments in Europe highlight the importance of maintaining dialogue and the rule of law. Potsdam sees itself as having a special responsibility to promote human dignity, diversity and sustainable development. For example, the Potsdam European Dialogue received broad support from the Brandenburg State Center for Civic Education, which encourages citizens to actively participate in these important discussions.

The Council of Europe's Flag of Honor shows that Potsdam is on the right path - a path that should continue to lead to the Plaque of Honor in 2026 and the European Prize in 2027. Such awards not only recognize the city's commitment, but also promote the positive development towards an even more European-oriented society.

For everyone who is interested in the topic, taking part in the Potsdam European Dialogue is an excellent opportunity to find out more and to actively participate in political events. Entry is free, but registration is required.

We are looking forward to an exciting event at which Potsdam not only receives its flag of honor, but also sets important course for the future of our European community.

Further information about the Flag of Honor and the Potsdam European Dialogue can be found on the websites of Potsdam.de and Political education in Brandenburg.