EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen received the prestigious Charlemagne Prize in Aachen on Thursday, as the award marked its 75th anniversary. Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden was in attendance, having delivered a keynote speech earlier in the week highlighting Europe’s need for sovereignty, solidarity, and renewed purpose in the face of global crises.
In her acceptance speech, von der Leyen called the award “the greatest honour of my life” and outlined four key goals for Europe: enhancing defence capabilities, boosting innovation and competitiveness, enlarging the EU to include nations such as Ukraine and Moldova, and renewing democratic institutions.
Speaking on Tuesday ahead of the ceremony, Frieden warned against the reintroduction of national border controls within the Schengen Area, which he said had serious consequences. He also called for a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict and emphasised that Europe must remain vigilant and engaged amid shifting geopolitical realities.
“Now is the time for Europe to reclaim its sovereignty and chart its own course”, Frieden said, noting that while the United States is redefining its global role, Russia’s ambitions clearly extend beyond Ukraine. He stressed that the European project’s core aim – peace – remains unchanged.
Frieden also announeced that he would meet informally with fellow political leaders during the award events and visit the Dutch semiconductor firm ASML in Eindhoven on Wednesday.
The Charlemagne Prize honors individuals and institutions that make exceptional contributions to European unity. Past laureates include Pope Francis, President Emmanuel Macron, former Luxembourg PM Jean-Claude Juncker, and, in 1986, the Luxembourg people themselves.
Last year’s award went to Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt and Europe’s Jewish communities.
