Charles Prize ceremony
Von der Leyen: Our mandate is European independence
It is the most important award for services to European unification: the international Charlemagne Prize. This year’s award winner uses the stage for an appeal.
The EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen promoted her for self-confidence and independence in Europe. “An independent Europe – I know that this message sounds scary to many. But this is essentially about our freedom,” said the CDU politician in the Aachen town hall after her Karl Prize was awarded there.
One should not indulge in the misconception that everything would become like before, warned by the Leyen. “It won’t come like that.” The world is again characterized by imperial powers and imperial wars. “Greater powers who are willing to use all louder and unfair means in order to gain an advantage,” she explained.
“New international order in this decade”
Europe is faced with determined enemies of democracy: “There is no impressive example of Putin’s brutal, unscrupulous war against Ukraine.” Therefore, the need to invest in European security is becoming increasingly urgent. “A new international order will be left out in this decade,” said von der Leyen. This new order must be designed by Europe. “Our mandate is called – European independence.” In the economic area, the EU wants to put its trading partnership with the United States on a firmer basis again.
“With all strength” support Ukraine
Chancellor Friedrich Merz agreed to the support of Germany for strengthening and defending Europe. The CDU politician was alluded to past wars in Europe as a peace project inside. Now Europe has to become a peace project.
“This includes our historical task of making Europe so strong that it can restore peace on our continent and secure freedom in the long run,” said Merz. “Germany is ready to proceed with all determination in this task in close coordination with our European partners and neighbors.”
King Felipe: International situation requires more Europe
Spanish King Felipe VI. made demands for a reversal of the European Union. “We have to stand up to you: dangerous and misguided voices that argue that Europeans are more freely, more independent and sovereign if they live in separate national political communities and tackle global challenges alone.” Nothing could be further away from the truth, the monarch said in his speech. A reversal of the European Union would cause Europeans to be powerlessly exposed to the moods of others.
The prize money should help Ukrainian children
According to the police, several hundred demonstrators took to the streets at several events. They protested against upgrading plans.
The prize money of one million euros awarded for the first time this year is to be used by Leyens for projects in favor of Ukrainian children. The award winners and the Charles Prize Directorate together decide on the award of the prize money. An Aachen entrepreneur couple donated the money.
Jacques Delors was the last head of commission to get the prize
The International Charlemagne Prize in Aachen is the most important award for services to European unification. The Leyen is honored by the Charles Prize Directorate as a “strong voice of Europe in the world”. The last head of commission who received the award was in 1992 Jacques Delors, who is considered the completion of the European inland market and pioneer of the euro.
dpa
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
