21167146_1157167667718851_3801965345693757960_oRosa Balas, Chief Executive of External Action, collected the Tenca de Oro prize, awarded this year to the European Academy of Yuste Foundation last night in Arroyo de la Luz. At the 29th Fiesta de la Tenca (Tench Festival) recognition was given to the Foundation for its work in the process of European construction and standing up for the democratic ideals which have inspired Europe. Extremaduran singer-songwriter Luis Pastor also received an award this year.

Balas opened her speech by showing her support for the town of Arroyo de la Luz after a violent gender-based incident in the town last Thursday, as well as for the people of Barcelona following the terrorist attack there.

As President of the Foundation’s Executive Committee she gratefully accepted the award on behalf of the Foundation, Board, and the whole team who make up the organisation. The head of Exterior Action talked about how issues such as international terrorism, which “have struck our country in the past week, as well as the financial crisis and refugee crisis” are complex problems that require the types of approaches that can emerge from reflection and debate.

The European Academy of Yuste Foundation has focused on this task for the last 25 years, by, in the words of Rosa Balas: striving to strengthen European integration and promote debate on how it can be built on through various types of activities.
“The Foundation is one of our greatest emblems to show Extremadura’s commitment to Europe. From our enclave in Yuste we can reflect on the main challenges facing the European Union, and on its values, in a setting that brings together key figures who’ve passed through our region, from the Carlos V Award winners to the hundreds of students who have come to share debates and reflections with academics and speakers over the last 25 years” she said.

The Chief Executive of Exterior Action also gave a mention to the whole team making up the European Academy of Yuste Foundation for their excellent work and commitment, as well as thanking all those who support the organisation’s work.
Proceedings of the 29th Fiesta de la Tenca were suspended on Friday to show respect for one of the town’s residents who was murdered at the hands of her husband. Saturday’s events will go ahead as planned, including the fishing contest, workshops about tench, exhibitions, processions, and stalls offering tench tastings.