The Society for the Conferring of the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen and the City of Aachen are delighted to be able to announce two outstanding public figures as keynote speakers for the festive award ceremony of the International Charlemagne Prize 2025: Friedrich Merz, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, and King Felipe VI of Spain.

The participation of the German head of government and the Spanish head of state, who is also the patron of the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen Foundation, underlines the special significance of this year's award ceremony in the prize's 75th anniversary year. With their presence and their speeches, they are sending a strong signal for the common European project and the importance of transnational cooperation in the face of global challenges.

The Chairman of the Charlemagne Prize Board of Directors, Dr. Jürgen Linden, explains: "At a time when the world order is changing and Europe is facing existential challenges, we would like to hear the Federal Chancellor on Germany's responsibility for Europe's future and King Felipe on the geopolitical necessities that we must develop in order to keep pace with the great power policies of others. We are honored that both have accepted the invitation to Aachen."

Sibylle Keupen, Lord Mayor of the City of Aachen, added: "I am delighted that we will once again be able to send a strong signal for a united Europe at this year's Charlemagne Prize ceremony in Aachen with the two prominent speakers Friedrich Merz and King Felipe."

The award ceremony for the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen 2025 will take place on Thursday, May 29, in the historic Coronation Hall of Aachen City Hall.