Brussels, 19/09/2007 (Agence Europe) - Ten projects have been selected to each receive a Golden Star 2007 in recognition of active participation by European citizens and citizen-centred efforts, demonstrated in such diverse projects as seeking to accommodate the intercultural dialogue between different peoples or offering learning opportunities and awareness-raising on European integration issues. In addition to the ten winning projects, the jury decided that special recognition should be presented to two more projects, as an encouragement to their efforts. The prizes are delivered within the framework of the "Europe for Citizens" programme to projects representing the best efforts in the field. The jury for the selection of the Golden Stars was chaired by Vice-President of the European Parliament's Economic and Culture Committee Hannu Takkula MEP (ALDE, Finland), and included Brenda King from the European Economic and Social Committee, Antonio Paiva from the Committee of the Regions, and three experts from the field of town twinning and civil society organisations. Takkula said: '"I was personally impressed by the accomplishments of the projects, notably the commitment to concrete common goals, the zeal of their participants and the final outcomes". EU Education, Training, Culture and Youth Commissioner Jan Figel said he was "delighted to see such engagement, involvement and mobilisation from citizens all around Europe". The awards ceremony will take place in Brussels on 8 November during the annual Europe for Citizens Forum, hosted by the European Commission's Directorate-General Education and Culture. (il)