Members of the Renew Europe Group in the European Committee of the Regions (Renew Europe CoR), Mayors François Decoster (Saint-Omer, France) and Matúš Vallo (Bratislava, Slovakia) have been shortlisted for the 2021 World Mayor Award.

This year, the award is focused on rewarding mayors whose leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic has provided their communities with protection and assurance. Shortlisted mayors also had to demonstrate awareness of the long-term implications of the pandemic, as returning to the ‘old normal’ should not be the aim. To protect communities from future natural or man-made disasters, cities must become stronger, fairer and greener.

Both Renew Europe CoR members François Decoster and Matúš Vallo were nominated for the award and made it to the shortlist thanks to their leadership skills while acting at all times with compassion towards the most affected by COVID-19. For their shortlist, the City Mayors Foundation selected 32 Mayors from 21 countries.

You can vote for Mayors Decoster and Vallo by emailing the City Mayors Foundation and listing your reasons why they should win the 2021 World Mayor Prize. You can write about their leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, achievements as mayor and the vision for their city. Include Saint-Omer Mayor or Bratislava Mayor in the subject line and provide your name at the end of your testimonial. It can be your full name, first name or initials, and indicate where you live. Send it to [email protected] or [email protected]. Testimonials, comments and votes are accepted until the end of April 2021.

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