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The Week in Germany: Current Affairs May 2, 2008 Charlemagne Prize Awarded to Chancellor Angela Merkel
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has been awarded the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen for her decisive leadership and outstanding contribution to the new momentum within the European Union. In her acceptance speech she emphasized the common roots of the European Union. "After centuries of violent conflict we have achieved the almost unimaginable - a peaceful and friendly coexistence in Europe," she said, adding that this was also a model for other regions of the world. She also focused on the common values of all Europeans, including the unassailability of individual human rights and human dignity. Merkel was awarded the prestigious prize on May 1 in the historic western German city of Aachen "in tribute to her outstanding contribution to overcoming the crisis of the EU and in recognition of decisions pointing the way to the advancement of the European unification process," according to the prize society's board of directors.
At a time when the EU was in crisis, Chancellor Merkel in her role as EU Council President for the first half of 2007, played a significant part in helping the Union move beyond its shellshock, adopt important political decisions, and jumpstart the dialogue between citizens and European political leaders, the board has underscored. "The setting of a course toward a new momentum in the Union is decisively linked to the energetic, level-headed and integrating politics of Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel’s EU Council Presidency," the board said in announcing its selection in November 2007, adding that it "is honoring a dedicated European for her ground-breaking contribution to the EU Reform Treaty, her integrating and human, as well as decisive and goal-oriented, leadership of negotiations; her astute diplomacy and her committed advocacy on behalf of European integration." Walter Eversheim, a spokesman of the board, on a city of Aachen website described Merkel as a European of outstanding merit, able to inspire the hearts of many people, especially the young, for Europe once more: "She has led the European Idea out of the depths it was in." Aachen Mayor Jürgen Linden meanwhile pointed to her championing not only of Europe but also of human rights and the global alliance to combat climate change. As a scientist, he added, she had a different approach compared to many other politicians, including a special analytical ability: "She is unequivocal, clear and purposeful, possesses great negotiating skill and shows human warmth. That is indeed a new style and approach."
Angela Merkel is the fourth woman – following Simone Veil, Gro Harlem Brundtland and Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands – to be awarded the Charlemagne Prize. The last German laureate was the then president of Germany, Roman Herzog, in 1997. He was among many European leaders and former Charlemagne Prize recipients in Aachen for the ceremony honoring Merkel. The International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen is the oldest and most well-known award recognizing individuals or institutions for distinguished service on behalf of Europe and European integration. First awarded in 1950, the prize is named for the Emporer Charlemagne, who is considered the first unifier of Europe and who made Aachen his capital. Known as Karl der Grosse (Charlemagne the Great) to Germans, he was crowned first emperor of the Holy Roman Empire in 800 AD. Javier Solana, the European Union's chief foreign policy official, received the 2007 award. Other past recipients include former US President Bill Clinton, former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, together with former French President François Mitterand, and the euro - marking the first time the prize was not conferred upon a leading personality, but upon the product of a political decision. The Charlemagne Prize includes a token cash award of 5,000 euros. Besides a certificate, a medal is conferred bearing on the front the oldest extant Aachen city seal dating from the 12th century and showing Charlemagne enthroned; the reverse is inscribed with a dedication to the laureate. Links:
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