Von der Leyen: Our mission is European independence

Aachen – During her award ceremony for the International Charlemagne Prize, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen advocated for the self-confidence and independence of Europe. “An independent Europe – I know that this message sounds frightening to many. But at its core, it is about our freedom,” said the German politician in the Aachen Town Hall after she was awarded the Charlemagne Prize there.

One should not indulge in the delusion that everything will return to how it was before, von der Leyen warned. “That will not happen.” The world is once again shaped by imperial powers and imperial wars. “By great powers that are willing to use all fair and unfair means to gain an advantage,” she explained.

“New international order to emerge in this decade”

Europe faces determined enemies of democracy: “There is no more striking example than Putin’s brutal, unscrupulous war against Ukraine.” Therefore, the necessity to invest in European security is becoming increasingly urgent. “A new international order will emerge in this decade,” said von der Leyen. This new order must be shaped by Europe. “Our mission is – European independence.” In the economic field, the EU wants to re-establish its trade partnership with the USA on a firmer basis. 

King Felipe: International situation requires more Europe

The Spanish King Felipe VI rejected calls for a rollback of the European Union. “We must stand up to them: dangerous and misguided voices that argue that Europeans are freer, more independent, and more sovereign when they live in separate national political communities and tackle global challenges alone.” Nothing could be further from the truth, said the monarch in his ceremonial speech. A rollback of the European Union would result in Europeans being powerless against the whims of others. 

The prize money is to help Ukrainian children

The prize money of one million euros, awarded for the first time this year with the Charlemagne Prize, is to be used for projects benefiting Ukrainian children, according to von der Leyen’s wishes. The allocation of the prize money will be decided jointly by the laureates and the Charlemagne Prize Directorate. The money has been donated by an entrepreneurial couple from Aachen. 

Jacques Delors was the last Commission chief to receive the prize

The International Charlemagne Prize in Aachen is considered the most important award for services to European unification. Von der Leyen is honored by the Charlemagne Prize Directorate as a “strong voice for Europe in the world.” The last Commission chief to receive the prize was Jacques Delors in 1992, who is regarded as the architect of the European single market and a pioneer of the Euro. (May 29)