PKN ORLEN - Partner of the Cultural Event of the Year in Prague

PKN ORLEN is proud to support and take part in such a splendid and magnificent project. Since entering the Czech market after taking a majority stake in Unipetrol, PKN ORLEN has desired to support not only Polish culture and art but also the major cultural events held in the Czech Republic’ said CEO of PKN ORLEN and Chairman of the Unipetrol Supervisory Board, Igor Chalupec, a major partner of the event. Mr. Chalupec continued: ‘Everyone is aware that the sponsorship and promotion of culture brings a greater understanding of the various benefits of a country to all of us, and especially for future generations’.

In the new economic environment the support of artistic activities falls upon large and financially strong organizations who feel responsible for the destiny and development of the national identity. Many companies act in this way because such activities constitute proof of the maturity of these companies. Therefore, for PKN ORLEN, supporting culture is such an obligation. The combination of PKN ORLEN as a leading player in the European economy with the major values of European culture is incorporated into PKN ORLEN’s mission and will determine its further activities.

The name of King Charles IV of Luxemburg will always be associated with the history of the Czech and Polish lands and of the whole of Europe. As Holy Roman Emperor, Charles IV was the most powerful politician in 14th-century Europe. His decisions influenced the political and geographical divisions as well as the legal system of Europe for a long time after his death. In the second half of the 14th century Prague became an important centre of politics, trade and art in Europe.

In 1348 Prague University was established by Charles IV and, as the university attracted students from the whole of Europe, many were influenced to continue and spread their education. Following the path taken after the founding of the Czech University, Krakow Royal University was created in 1364. It is an interesting historical fact that Charles IV also had personal interests in Poland, as two of his four wives were Polish, Anna Svidnicka and Elizabeth Pomoranska, the granddaughter of Polish king Kazimierz Wielki.

Prague - the traditional seat of the Czech kings was transformed almost overnight, thanks to the plans and finances of the last Luxemburg kings, into a lively city where different religions and cultures mingled.

PKN as Patron of Culture
Realizing its mission of a Patron of Culture, PKN ORLEN has provided support for a range of events: The company co-financed the purchase of the precious manuscript by Fryderyk Chopin in 2004 and sponsored the XV International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition in 2005. For a number of years PKN ORLEN was the Patron of the National Museum in Warsaw that owns the biggest and most precious collections of art in Poland, and Ludvig van Beethoven´s Easter Festival, a musical event attracting the best musicians and music fans from all over the world. PKN ORLEN also contributed to the renovation of Gdansk Old Town and restored the medieval prints of the Diocese Museum in Plock.

The Charles IV – Emperor by the Grace of God Exhibition is open from 16th February to 21st May 2006, every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., in the premises of Prague Castle.

About PKN ORLEN
PKN ORLEN is the biggest oil company in Central European, and has headquarters in Poland. With an income of EUR 9 bln in 2005, the PKN Group has emerged as the largest company within the group of new EU accession states. PKN ORLEN intends to play a major role in the regional consolidation of the oil industry in Central Europe and, to advance this intention, the company last year bought 63% of the petrochemical group, Unipetrol, for EUR 434 mln (CZK 13 bln) from the Czech state.

PKN ORLEN operates over 2 700 petrol stations in Europe - directly or through subsidiaries - and owns the refinery in Płock, Poland. This refinery is one of the most effective and modern in Europe. PKN ORLEN's shares are traded on the Warsaw and London stock exchanges. The ORLEN Capital Group includes about 80 subsidiaries and employs over 14 000 people.