Director of Narva Museum Named European of the Year!

This year, the honorary title of “European of the Year” has been awarded to the Director of Narva Museum, Maria Smorzhevskaya-Smirnova.

Maria received this title for her dedication to upholding European values in Narva and Ida-Virumaa through her work and public engagement on socially significant issues.
The “European of the Year” title is awarded by the European Commission Representation in Estonia and the International European Movement to individuals or organizations who “have contributed to defending European values, raising awareness among Estonians about the European Union, and increasing Estonia’s visibility in Europe.” The recipient is determined by a public vote, which this year took place from April 15 to May 5.
Congratulating the winner, Ave Šank-Lucas, Head of the European Commission Representation in Estonia, said: “Europe begins in Narva, and I am glad that this year the title goes there. The Director of Narva Museum, Maria Smorzhevskaya-Smirnova, stands up for European values and boldly expresses her views on Russia’s aggressive war in Ukraine. Courage, self-belief, and a forward-looking vision are exactly what we need today.”