The European Council on Tolerance and Reconciliation bestowed Spanish King Juan Carlos with the first ever ‘European Medal of Tolerance’ in Madrid on Monday.

The medal was conferred on the King by co- chairs of the ECTR, former President of Poland, Aleksander Kwaśniewski and Moshe Kantor, President of the European Jewish Congress, in recognition of his devotion to tolerance and political reconciliation.

“In Europe, there are major changes, whether it is the ongoing economic crisis or changes within the European Union, which the forces of intolerance are utilizing for their benefit, and we need leadership to steer us through these challenging times.” Kantor said.

The ECTR will hold a large conference in Dubrovnik, Croatia, on 24-25th of October 2010, to discuss experiences in reconciliation and promotion of tolerance within Europe.

The conference titled “Towards Reconciliation. Experiences, Techniques and Opportunities for Europe” will be attended and addressed by leaders from current and former conflicts and disputes in Europe and experts on human rights issues and reconciliation.