The Forum's Programme Council recognises persons, companies and institutions from Central and Eastern Europe for their activities, efficiency and achievements in the previous year. This year the prizes were awarded in four categories:
Man of Central and Eastern Europe 2009
The award for an outstanding individual who, owing to their accomplishments, had the greatest impact on the course of events in this part of Europe in a given year.
JERZY BUZEK
Chairman of the European Parliament
• Special Award of Economic Forum
LESZEK BALCEROWICZ
• Special Award of Economic Forum
GUNTER VERHEUGEN
- Company of Central and Eastern Europe 2009
The award goes to the company that proved especially successful under difficult conditions of economic transition.
GRUPA MASPEX WADOWICE
• Non-Governmental Organization of Central and Eastern Europe.
EDUCATION FOR DEMOCRACY FOUNDATION
Special award for Lech Walesa - Seat Exeo
During official award ceremony of the XIX Economic Forum, Lech Walesa received a special prize - Seat Exeo. The award was granted on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the collapse of communism in Poland and appointment of the government of Tadeusz Mazowiecki.
The car key is officially handed over. Andrzej Kublik, the President of IMCG Holding, Jose Antonio Huerta Poblador, a Regional Director of SEAT S.A. and Lech Walesa.
„SEAT Exeo granted Lech Walesa is a tribute paid to his attitude and actions, which led to democratic changes in Poland - said Andrzej Kublik, the President of the Management Board of Iberia Motor Company, the exclusive distributor of SEAT brand cars in Poland. During the ceremony, president Kublik said also: „this year we celebrate not only the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of World War II; also 20 years have passed since the partially free elections and the appointment of the first sovereign government in Poland in the post-war period. Pursuing introduction of a new political system by means of democratic transformation, Lech Walesa made a decisive step forward for the whole nation. 'Exeo' in Latin means exactly 'to go forward. For SEAT, Exeo is also a milestone in the history of the brand - moving beyond so far represented segments and a new launch in the upper class".
The presence of SEAT during the Forum is not accidental - the Spanish brand has been the official carrier of the meeting for years. This year, a few dozens of Seat brand cars with drivers were made available for Forum guests. A partner of the XIX Economic Forum together with Iberia Motor Company, the general importer of Seat brand in Poland, was also SIXT rent a car - a leading company specialized in car rental.