Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya at the 2023 CEC General Assembly, in Tallinn. Photo: Albin Hillert/CEC
The Conference of European Churches (CEC) warmly congratulates Belarusian politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya for being awarded the prestigious Schwarzkopf Europe Prize in Berlin. CEC General Secretary, Rev. Frank-Dieter Fischbach, expressed his admiration for Tsikhanouskaya’s commitment to democratic principles in Belarus. Tsikhanouskaya was a keynote speaker at CEC’s 2023 General Assembly in Tallinn, where she encouraged churches to help put an end to conflict and uphold freedom.
Since 2020, Tsikhanouskaya has become a symbol of peaceful resistance, advocating for democracy and human rights in Belarus. The Schwarzkopf Foundation will honour her remarkable contributions with the Schwarzkopf Europe Prize, awarded by a jury of Young Europeans of the Year—individuals who themselves have been recognised for their commitment to Europe’s future.
CEC General Secretary commended the award, stating, "We are pleased to see Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya receive this well-deserved recognition. In these times, when the world is grappling with many crises, it is essential that we do not forget Belarus and the ongoing struggle for freedom there."
At the CEC General Assembly, Tsikhanouskaya highlighted the vital role of religious communities in promoting peace and democracy. "In today’s Europe, religious communities and people of faith can play a significant role in promoting peace in society, maintaining hope under the yoke of tyranny, and contributing to democratic transformation,” Tsikhanouskaya said. “People whose faith teaches them not to kill, not to steal, not to bear false witness, who honour God more than political leaders, whose moral strength is empowered by their belief—are extremely dangerous for dictatorships and extremely needed in democracies.”
CEC remains dedicated to supporting churches in their struggles for justice and peace in Europe and beyond. In line with its mission, CEC continues to advocate for human rights, democracy, and freedom, in solidarity with those facing oppression and authoritarian regimes.