Dieter Schlenker, Director of the Historical Archives of the European Union, was among 12 recipients of the annual ‘Pinocchio di Carlo Lorenzini’ prizes awarded on 25 November 2024. The awards distinguish individuals for their work in various sectors across the Florentine territory, and is bestowed to mark the birthday of Carlo Lorenzini, author of the internationally famous story Pinocchio.
In keeping with the Pinocchio theme, each of the twelve awards is named for an important character or element in the story. Dr Schlenker received the ‘Albero degli Zecchini’ prize. Other honourees included Florence mayor Sara Funaro, awarded the ‘Gatto e volpe’ prize; Maria Grazie Giuffrida, President of the Fondazione Istituto degli Innocenti honoured with the ‘Fata Turchina’ award; and Paolo Bacciotti of the Fondazione Tommasino Bacciotti, recognised with the ‘Colombo’ prize.
In 2019, EUI President Renaud Dehousse was awarded the Association’s ‘Grillo Parlante’ award.
For the HAEU, the award is a sign that public outreach activities such as the educational programme and annual open day are valued contributions to the area’s cultural life.