War in the Middle East and Ukraine: In difficult times, French President Macron receives the Peace of Westphalia Prize. Steinmeier praises him as a “passionate European”
French President Emmanuel Macron received the Peace of Westphalia Prize at the end of his three-day state visit in the historic town hall of Münster. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier presented the award. He praised the French head of government as a “passionate European” and thanked him for his affection for neighboring Germany.
“The fact that France and Germany are so close today is not least due – I am convinced of this – to people like you. You are always ready to approach Germany, open the discussion, and try to lure us out of our shell here and there,” Steinmeier said to Macron.
The Federal President particularly referred to Macron’s plea for a common European security policy, a common European defense and also joint action on internal security. He had already called for European sovereignty long before Russia’s attack on Ukraine in 2022.
The prize is awarded by the Economic Society for Westphalia and Lippe (WWL) for services to European integration. It is endowed with 100,000 euros. Half of the prize money goes to the German-Polish Youth Office, which also received an award.
Macron: “We must be more optimistic”
Macron called for more optimism and drive in Europe. “I think we need to be more optimistic,” Macron said in his acceptance speech. “As Europeans, being optimistic means being sure that Europe is the right answer.” This refers to the major current challenges such as the war in Ukraine, the climate crisis and the threat to democracy. “We need to start a new phase of Europe.” But this requires more optimism and willpower. His prize money will benefit the Franco-German Youth Office, Macron said.
The Economic Society for Westphalia and Lippe praised Macron’s efforts to bring about peace during the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine. The French president did everything he could to maintain dialogue with the Russian leadership despite serious tensions. “Emmanuel Macron is a fighter for freedom, peace and Europe,” praised the jury.
At the end of the ceremony, Macron and Steinmeier appeared with their wives on the balcony of the Stadtweinhaus on the Prinzipalmarkt to an estimated 1,000 onlookers. There was loud applause but also some boos. Steinmeier and Macron hugged each other and waved to the crowd. Some demonstrators chanted slogans and waved anti-nuclear power and Palestine flags. Everything remained peaceful, as a police spokeswoman confirmed.
There were numerous information stands for the public in Münster, as well as a live broadcast of the award ceremony on a large screen in the city center. NRW Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst (CDU) had previously received Macron and the Federal President at Münster-Osnabrück Airport. He presented Macron with a basket of Westphalian specialties, from black bread and Mettwurst to Korn and beer.
After Berlin and Dresden, Münster was the final stop on Macron’s state visit. It was the first state visit by a French president to Germany in 24 years. Macron then met with Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) for political talks.
Source: Stern
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