President Zelenskyy to Attend Four Freedoms Awards Ceremony in Middelburg
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will attend the Four Freedoms Awards ceremony in Middelburg tomorrow. President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people will receive the International Four Freedoms Award in recognition of their leadership and their commitment to freedom, democracy, and the rule of law in Europe, under exceptionally difficult circumstances.
“Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, the courageous Ukrainian people and their president have become a global symbol of resilience and the defense of fundamental freedoms, as articulated by President Roosevelt 85 years ago. President Zelenskyy’s visit to Middelburg is therefore of great significance. At a time when freedom and democracy are under pressure, his presence demonstrates how important it is to continue to stand firmly for them,” said Hugo de Jonge, chair of the Roosevelt Foundation.
Following the official ceremony, President Zelenskyy will hold talks with King Willem-Alexander and Prime Minister Jetten. Since 1982, the Four Freedoms Awards have been presented to individuals and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. The 2026 laureates are: Gisèle Pelicot (Freedom from Fear Award), Committee to Protect Journalists (Freedom of Speech Award), and Isidora Uribe Silva (Freedom from Want Award). The laureate for Freedom of Worship cannot be disclosed for security reasons.
The Four Freedoms Awards ceremony will, as is tradition, take place in Middelburg, a city with a strong tradition in the field of human rights, including as a Shelter City for human rights defenders. Zeeland is also considered the historic birthplace of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s ancestors.
