I would like to welcome Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, Mr. André Kuper, President of the State Parliament, Mr. Oliver Krischer, Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Transport of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, Ms. Patricia Creutz-Vilvoye, President of the Parliament of the German-speaking Community of Belgium, Mr. Jürgen Rüttgers, former Minister President, Mr. Armin Laschet, former Minister President, Dr. Tim Grüttemeier, City Councillor,
Members of the State Parliament, the Bundestag and the European Parliament, members of the Consular Corps including the Consul General of the Republic of Poland in Cologne, Mr. Marek Gluszko, members of the Charlemagne Prize committees with former Lord Mayor Dr. Jürgen Linden at the head of the Charlemagne Prize Board of Directors, members of the Aachen City Council, all friends of Europe.
Today is a day of remembrance, of inspiration - and a day of new beginnings. Here, in Aachen, in the heart of Europe, we are celebrating 75 years of the Charlemagne Prize. 75 years of honoring people who have brought Europe together, strengthened and renewed it. 75 years in which Aachen became a stage on which European history was written.
But this day is more than just a celebration. It is an obligation. Because the idea that the Charlemagne Prize stands for is more topical and urgent than ever.
Europe - a task for every generation
The founders of the Charlemagne Prize had a vision. A vision born from the ruins of the Second World War, from the deep desire that never again would nationalism, war and hatred destroy this continent. They believed in the power of understanding, in the power of democracy and in the tireless will to build bridges instead of walls. This vision cannot be taken for granted. It must be won anew by each generation.
Today, 75 years later, Europe still faces enormous challenges: We see that peace in Europe is no guarantee. We see that democracy must be defended - against populism, against extremism, against the enemies of an open society. We are faced with the task of making Europe more sustainable, more digital and fairer.
And yet: the Charlemagne Prize shows us that there are always people who lead the way. People who have courage, take responsibility and fight for Europe - not with weapons, but with ideas, diplomacy and persuasion.
Aachen - a city with a European soul
For us in Aachen, the Charlemagne Prize is more than just an award. It is part of our identity. Charlemagne, who ruled here over 1200 years ago, laid the foundations for a Europe of diversity. Today, we are building on this tradition - with the Charlemagne Prize Academy, with the Charlemagne Youth Prize, with countless projects that bring young people together. Because Europe belongs to them. Our children and grandchildren. They will shape it. And they are already doing it today - with courage, creativity and a clear stance for democracy, human rights and solidarity.
75 years - a look into the future
Ladies and gentlemen, this anniversary is a moment to look back, but even more so a moment of new beginnings. The European idea needs us all. It needs our commitment, our passion and our belief that we can achieve more together than alone. Let us make the most of this anniversary year: To engage in dialog about the future of Europe. To encourage young people to stand up for Europe. And to show that Europe is not a distant institution, but a living promise - for freedom, justice and peace.
The Charlemagne Prize is a gift from Aachen to Europe. Let us work together to ensure that this gift lives on for the next 75 years. For Aachen. For Europe. For the future.
Thank you very much!
17.03.2025