Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, will receive the International Charlemagne Prize in Aachen for her strong advocacy of European unity during challenging times. Recognized for her leadership amid crises, including support for Ukraine and renewable energy initiatives, she has fostered solidarity across Europe. The 75th anniversary ceremony, featuring a one million euro prize for European projects, will take place on Ascension Day, May 29, alongside a legacy of esteemed past laureates.
Ursula von der Leyen to Receive the International Charlemagne Prize
This year, Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, is set to be honored with the prestigious International Charlemagne Prize in Aachen. The announcement was made by the Charlemagne Prize Directorate on a Wednesday afternoon.
A Strong Advocate for Europe
The Charlemagne Prize Directorate highlighted von der Leyen as a ‘strong voice of Europe in the world,’ particularly during challenging times when the European Union faces threats both externally from Russia’s aggressive actions and internally from various demagogues. Since she took on her role in July 2019, von der Leyen has navigated the EU through multiple crises, including the global outbreak of COVID-19, during which the Commission played a pivotal role in the development of vaccines.
Her leadership has also garnered praise for her unwavering support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict. Von der Leyen was instrumental in fostering solidarity across Europe and facilitating substantial economic and military aid to Ukraine, alongside implementing numerous sanctions against Russia. Additionally, she has initiated accession discussions with Ukraine.
A Symbol of European Unity
During the 2023 Charlemagne Prize ceremony, von der Leyen celebrated the resilience of the Ukrainian people, asserting that Ukraine exemplifies the European spirit by standing firm in its values and striving towards peace and unity. In the wake of the energy crisis caused by the Russian invasion, she has been a strong advocate for accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources.
Her adept negotiation skills were particularly evident after the European Parliament elections, where she successfully maintained cohesion within the political center despite the rise of anti-European parties. Her rallying cry, ‘The center holds,’ united various pro-European factions, including Christian Democrats, Social Democrats, Liberals, and Greens.
Expressing her gratitude upon receiving the award, von der Leyen remarked, ‘This prize touches me deeply,’ on the social media platform X. She emphasized that the Charlemagne Prize embodies the essence of Europe, serving as a stable foundation amidst turbulent times.
Looking Ahead: New Challenges for the EU
As the European Union faces fresh challenges, particularly with the prospect of Donald Trump’s potential second term in the U.S. presidency, von der Leyen is tasked with steering new Atlantic alliances. Ongoing negotiations with South American nations such as Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay regarding a free trade agreement are also pivotal for her economic agenda.
This year’s Charlemagne Prize ceremony is particularly special as it marks the 75th anniversary of the award, which is now endowed with a prize of one million euros intended to support European projects in collaboration with the recipient. The Charlemagne Prize Directorate aims to empower von der Leyen in her mission to position the EU as a formidable global force.
Ursula von der Leyen joins an esteemed list of past laureates, including notable figures such as Konrad Adenauer, Winston Churchill, and Angela Merkel. The award will be presented on Ascension Day, May 29, in the historic coronation hall of the Aachen City Hall.