The decision to award the Charlemagne Prize 2026 to Professor Mario Draghi has now been officially announced with an official application visit to Rome. A delegation from Aachen, led by Armin Laschet MdB, Chairman of the Charlemagne Prize Board of Directors, and Dr. Michael Ziemons, Lord Mayor of the City of Aachen, met the designated laureate at the residence of the German Ambassador to Italy, Dr. Thomas Bagger, and spoke about the latest strategic developments in European economic and industrial policy.

Draghi was honored to receive the award and underlined the value of joint European efforts: "I am more optimistic about the future than I was a few years ago because we all now understand that we have to work hard for the future of Europe. It is unrealistic to assume that all 27 Member States will always move forward in lockstep on all issues - especially in foreign and security policy. However, this in no way means that the European project is being held back. On the contrary: Europe is moving forward. If a smaller group leads the way and creates convincing solutions, this creates an attraction - others join in. The euro is one such example. It therefore fills me with particular pride to accept this award, especially in this phase of European development."

With regard to the historical dimension of the Charlemagne Prize, those present referred to Alcide De Gasperi, winner of the Charlemagne Prize in 1952: "Now is the time to overcome all differences. When Alcide De Gasperi received the Charlemagne Prize in 1952, the ashes of the war had not yet cooled - and yet he had the courage to think beyond the moment to a common future. We are called upon to do the same today," said Draghi.

Laschet emphasized Draghi's role in European policy: "Mario Draghi is someone who can now make Europe strong in this competition with the USA, Russia and China. Europe's sovereignty is and has always been a matter close to his heart."

Reasons for the award

The Charlemagne Prize Board of Directors and the City of Aachen see Mario Draghi's award as a strong signal for an effective, sovereign and future-oriented Europe. Draghi's report on Europe's competitiveness is recognized as a wake-up call and a concrete roadmap for reforms that will strengthen innovation, investment, the industrial base and Europe's strategic sovereignty. Against a backdrop of growing geopolitical tensions, it sets new standards for the political and economic debate in the EU.

"It is important for us to provide impetus for the future of Europe from Aachen," said Lord Mayor Michael Ziemons. "The meeting in Rome with Mario Draghi showed once again that he has not only achieved great merits in the past. He is someone who has a clear vision for the future of Europe. We are certain that these ideas must now be implemented. This is the appeal we are sending from Aachen to the decision-makers in Europe: Get to grips with the Draghi Report and ensure a future, for a sovereign, for an economically strong, for an independent Europe."

Ceremonial award ceremony on Ascension Day in Aachen

The ceremonial awarding of the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen 2026 to Mario Draghi will traditionally take place on Ascension Day, May 14, 2026, in the Coronation Hall of Aachen City Hall. Numerous high-ranking guests from politics, business and society as well as representatives of European institutions are expected to attend.

About the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen

The International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen is considered one of the most important European prizes. Since 1950, it has been awarded to individuals and institutions who have rendered outstanding services to the unification of Europe. Last year, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, received the Charlemagne Prize. Mario Draghi is the sixth Italian winner of the Charlemagne Prize in its 76-year history.

Since 2025, the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen has awarded an annual project prize money of one million euros to charitable pro-European initiatives. The funding - made possible by the charitable foundation of the Aachen citizens and entrepreneurs Dr. Eckhard Schulz and Dr. rer. nat. Stefanie Schäfer-Schulz - is awarded on the recommendation of the respective Charlemagne Prize winners. The aim is to strengthen pro-European commitment, emphasize common values and make the European idea visible beyond Aachen by effectively supporting new and existing projects throughout Europe.

You can find more information at: www.karlspreis.de and www.aachen.de/karlspreis