The Karlspreis (Karl Prize) was presented on Thursday in the Aachen Town Hall’s coronation hall to Mario Draghi, the former President of the European Central Bank (ECB) and former Italian Prime Minister.
In his congratulatory speech, CDU candidate Friedrich Merz praised Draghi, stating that the former central banker had successfully stabilized the Euro during “a threatening time”. Merz noted that Draghi had taken a risk that might have failed, pointing specifically to the austerity measures implemented in Greece. According to Merz, these measures, while “hard” were “correct” because the country has since been able to repay its loans.
Merz then turned his focus to the future of Europe, asserting that the continent has the chance to “help shape the new world order” where “rules and norms prevail instead of arbitrary decisions”. He suggested that Europe has “awakened” and must assert its own “means of power” citing the comprehensive rearmament effort as an example. He concluded by urging that Europeans must themselves decide who speaks for them, emphasizing that they must employ their “economic power” to enforce their interests globally.
The Karlspreis has traditionally been awarded since 1950 to prominent figures who, in the judgment of the Prize Committee, have contributed significantly to the cause of Europe and European unity. Past recipients include figures such as Pope Francis, French President Emmanuel Macron, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and former U.S. President Bill Clinton. The prize is named in honor of Charlemagne, who was considered “Father of Europe” even during his lifetime.
