European leader von der Leyen honored with the Charlemagne Prize, acknowledging her significant impact on the continent. - Europe's Powerful Advocate Claims Karl Prize
Aachen, Germany - Ursula von der Leyen to Receive International Charlemagne Prize
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will be honored with the International Charlemagne Prize on Thursday at the city hall of Aachen. The award recognizes von der Leyen as a "strong voice of Europe in the world," championing the interests of the EU and its allies, according to the Charlemagne Prize committee.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) and King Felipe VI of Spain will be among the speakers at the ceremony, which takes place from 11:15 AM. Approximately 700 guests are expected to attend, including former laureates such as former Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker.
Several smaller demonstrations are scheduled in Aachen's city center, addressing issues like the Supply Chain Act and EU and German armament plans.
Since its inception 75 years ago, the Charlemagne Prize has been awarded annually to individuals who have made significant contributions to Europe and European unity. Notable laureates include politicians like Winston Churchill, Angela Merkel, and Bill Clinton, as well as representatives of European institutions and Pope Francis. Last year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people received the award.
The prize consists of a certificate and a gold medal, named after Charlemagne, whose Frankish Empire in the early Middle Ages encompassed a large portion of Europe, earning him the title "Father of Europe."
Over the years, the Charlemagne Prize has honored key architects and champions of European unity, ranging from founding fathers to contemporary leaders. Recipients have included Jean Monnet, Robert Schuman, Alcide de Gasperi, Konrad Adenauer, Winston Churchill, Emmanuel Macron, Paul-Henri Spaak, Pope John Paul II, and most recently, Ursula von der Leyen.
The prize serves as a testament to over 70 years of European history and development, celebrating those who have fostered mutual understanding, cooperation, and unity among European nations.
- The International Charlemagne Prize, which will be presented to Ursula von der Leyen, recognizes her as a policy-and-legislation leader, amplifying the voice of Europe on the global stage.
- Amidst the ceremony for the Charlemagne Prize, politics and general news remain relevant, with smaller demonstrations occurring in Aachen's city center addressing issues such as the Supply Chain Act and EU and German armament plans.
