The award was presented by the European Council for Tolerance and Reconciliation (ECTR), which is co-chaired by former Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski and European Jewish Congress President Moshe Kantor and whose members include prominent political leaders, scientists and recipients of the Nobel Prize.

Josipovic and Tadic were awarded for promoting truth, tolerance and reconciliation and for public recognition and expression of regret over suffering caused by citizens of their countries.

The two of us, as directly elected presidents of our countries, had a direct responsibility to replace the burden of war and conflict with a possibility of cooperation and partnership. First and foremost for our own sake, but also for the sake of others. That was not easy because a portion of the public in both countries was against it. There is always a small, but noisy group of populists who want to live on prejudice and hatred. It is easier for them that way because they do not have to think about themselves and their own mistakes because the culprit is always on the other side, Josipovic said in his speech.

Josipovic also noted that in less than nine months Croatia would become a member of the European Union, and expressed concern about signs of stagnation in the region.

There are countries that have functional deficits. There are politicians who deny war crimes and the worst of them all, the genocide in Srebrenica, Josipovic said, adding that Croatia wanted stability in the region and its inclusion in the European integration processes.

We are concerned about signs of stagnation in the region because they can bring nothing good. I therefore call upon my colleagues both in the European Union and in the countries of the region to discuss with added seriousness and responsibility the European future of southeast Europe. The financial or institutional crisis cannot be the reason not to pursue a focused enlargement policy. The requirements of the association process cannot be an excuse for populism and a return to the past, Josipovic said.

The award-giving ceremony was addressed by European Parliament President Martin Schulz, ECTR Co-Chairmen Aleksander Kwasniewski and Moshe Kantor, and the award recipients Josipovic and Tadic. They all emphasised the courage of the two political leaders for the steps they had taken in promoting reconciliation.

Tadic said that he had been trying for years to take steps forward in reconciliation, both in Serbia and in the region, but that by promoting reconciliation during his term in office he had increased the chances of his opponents winning the election.

President Josipovic and I have demonstrated an understanding that is not typical of relations in the region, Tadic said.