Poland’s Michnik honored by Czech Republic for promoting democracy, regional cooperation

Polish journalist and intellectual Adam Michnik has been honored with the Gratias Agit Award by the Czech foreign ministry for his support of communist-era dissidents and his efforts to strengthen democracy and unity in Central Europe.

Polish journalist Adam Michnik (right) received the Czech Republic's Gratias Agit Award in Prague on Thursday.

Photo: The Polish Embassy in Prague

Michnik, a leading Polish journalist, historian and former anti-communist activist, received the prestigious award in Prague on Thursday for his lifelong commitment to supporting Czechoslovak dissidents before 1989 and advocating for human rights and democracy.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský praised Michnik’s role as the driving force behind a Polish parliamentary resolution that officially apologized for Poland’s participation in the 1968 Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia.

Minister @JanLipavsky presented the Gratias agit Award to Adam Michnik, a prominent figure of the Polish democratic opposition and a longtime friend of Czechia. The award honours his support for the Czechoslovak dissent and defence of human rights. pic.twitter.com/s2itVFmOQ4

— Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs (@CzechMFA) July 17, 2025

Michnik himself stressed the importance of regional cooperation, saying: “The more quarrels and pointless, pride-driven conflicts between us, the worse it will be for our future.”

The Polish embassy in Prague highlighted the significance of the award, noting: “Polish dissident, publicist, and historian Adam Michnik today received the Gratias Agit Award, granted by the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs for promoting the good name of the Czech Republic abroad. Congratulations!” 

Polský disident, publicista a historik Adam Michnik dnes převzal Cenu Gratias agit, kterou uděluje Ministerstvo zahraničních věcí ČR za šíření dobrého jména České republiky v zahraničí. Blahopřejeme! pic.twitter.com/CoESc3BuwH

— PLinCzechia (@PLinCzechia) July 17, 2025

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Source: IAR/PAP/X/@PLinCzechia