Otto von Habsburg Prize
for Journalism in Minority Protection and Cultural Diversity in Europe 2008
Winner of the Otto von Habsburg Prize for Journalism 2008
Marius Cosmeanu (Cotidianul, Romania)
Celebration of the Award: 16 May 2008, Santiago de Compostela (Galicia)
As a journalist of the Romanian daily newspaper "Cotidianul", Mr. Cosmeanu is reporting on the situation of ethnic communities living in Romania for many years. His effort has two aims: keeping minority issues discussed and introducing information's on ethnic groups to the majority. The Hungarian minority got his emphasised attention in order to reduce antipathy towards them. His articles have been an important aspect of better understanding between the Romanian majority and minorities living in Romania, especially in Siebenbürgen.
Since he is working for the Romanian daily "Cotidianul" he keeps writing about minority issues very frankly and in a positive way. In the selection the Jury also considered his extraordinary efforts against overstatements, blindness, isolation, and especially against nationalism.
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Reception at the Santiago Town Hall |
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Gala Dinner at the Hostal dos Reis Católicos |
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Eulogy speech by Mr. Lehel Kovács |
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The Prize Winner Marius Cosmeanu and Monika von Habsburg during the Prize Ceremony |