The Permanent Representative of the Czech Republic to the EU, Milena Vicenová, supported the award ceremony for the „European Tree of the Year“ competition, which took place on 25 May 2011 in Brussels, and handed prizes to the winners. The winner of the first European title went to a lime tree in Leliceli, Romania.

The competition was born ten years ago in the Czech Republic but gradually crossed the Czech borders. This was the first year that it was organised on „European“ level, five EU member states took part. The organisation also involved Ladislav Miko, Deputy Director General at DG for Health and Consumers of the European Commission.

In contrast to other similar competitions, it does not concern tree species, but rather individual trees with focus on their „stories“ and involvement of the community in their protection. Its aim is to strengthen local communities and their involvement in protecting their natural heritage.

More info:

• Details on the competition, the results and the “stories” of individual trees can be found at www.treeoftheyear.org