(de-news.net) – Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, has been honored with the International Karlspreis of Aachen, a distinction bestowed upon persons who have made substantial contributions to European integration and unity. Since its inception in 1950, the prize has been awarded—predominantly on an annual basis—to figures whose efforts have significantly fostered European cohesion. Notably, for the first time in its history, the award is accompanied by a financial endowment of one million euros, exclusively designated to support initiatives that promote European unity.
Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz commended von der Leyen as a formidable advocate for Europe on the international stage. He underscored her adept representation of the European Union’s interests, particularly in the ongoing tariff negotiations with the United States and China. Her approach, he noted, seeks to prevent diplomatic escalation while simultaneously championing the principles of free trade.
King Felipe VI of Spain categorically rejected tendencies toward national isolationism, emphasizing that the intricate geopolitical landscape necessitates enhanced cooperation among the 27 member states of the European Union. Only through concerted collective action, he asserted, can Europe effectively consolidate its geopolitical strength.
Lauréate von der Leyen framed the prevailing global challenges as a fundamental disruption to the established international order. She articulated a critical juncture wherein Europe must choose between passive observance or assertive determination in shaping its future. In response, she issued a resolute call for Europe to reclaim its agency and embark upon a renewed collective endeavor founded upon the principles of sovereignty and solidarity.