Speech by the Federal Chancellor at the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has been honoured with the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen. In his speech, Federal Chancellor Merz congratulated the prizewinner and acknowledged her commitment to a strong Europe.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has been honoured with the International Charlemagne Prize.
Photo: Federal Government/Jesco Denzel
The International Charlemagne Prize is traditionally awarded in Aachen on Ascension Day. This year, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, was honoured with the award. In the Coronation Hall of Aachen Town Hall, compatriots from around Europe addressed personal words of appreciation to von der Leyen.
In addition to Spanish King Felipe VI, German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz also expressed his appreciation for von der Leyen’s work. She gives Europe a voice in the world, the Chancellor said – and confidently represents the positions of the European Union, with its 450 million inhabitants and the largest single market in the world.
Honoured for resolve and prudence
Ursula von der Leyen was honoured for her resolute and prudent actions in a series of historic crises. As President of the Commission, she has given Europe direction in difficult times and shown that the European Union is capable of taking action – both internally and externally. The Federal Chancellor agreed with the jury’s decision in his speech. He congratulated the prizewinner and emphasised that Ursula von der Leyen is a strong representative of a strong Europe.
Federal Chancellor Merz combined his congratulations with a promise: “Over the next few years, I will devote all my energy to working towards a Europe that draws new strength from its cohesion, a Europe that will continue to serve people in the future, a Europe that above all defends our freedom.” Germany will not stand on the sidelines when it comes to preserving and strengthening freedom and democracy, the rule of law and human dignity on the continent, Merz said.
Since 1950, the International Charlemagne Prize has been awarded in Aachen to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service to European unification and co-operation. Today it is recognised as the most important award in Europe. The International Charlemagne Prize is simultaneously a mirror of European developments, a forum for dialogue and a gesture of encouragement. Past prizewinners include Konrad Adenauer, Winston Churchill, Angela Merkel and Volodymyr Zelensky.
Read the transcript of the speech here: