The award that is also known as “Oscar in Politics” is conferred to António Guterres for the promotion of European values – tolerance, pluralism, and open society all over the world and strengthening Europe’s role.
According to the President, António Guterres is a true European who transfers European values to the United Nations and enhances Europe’s role and visibility around the world. His contribution to fighting fears of the public and unilateral decision-making serves as a true inspiration not only for Europe but the entire world as well, said the President.
President Dalia Grybauskaitė was awarded the International Charlemagne Prize six years ago. The President received the prize in recognition of Lithuania’s contribution to strengthening unity and economic stability in the EU. President’s exceptional role in the reform of the EU budget and dynamic development of the Baltic States was also emphasized.
This honorable award was conferred on Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis, the founding fathers of the European Union Jean Monnet, Konrad Adenauer and Robert Schuman, Great Britain’s Prime Minister Winston S. Churchill, U.S. President Bill Clinton, Czech humanist and former President Vaclav Havel, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, King Juan Carlos of Spain, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, and many other prominent political figures.
The International Charlemagne Prize was established in 1950 by the people of Aachen. It became a symbolic invitation to build peace, unity, solidarity and mutual understanding among the nations in the war-torn old continent and is awarded to the European people for their special merits.
The solemn ceremony held at the Aachen Cathedral was attended by King Philip VI of Spain, President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Investment Bank Werner Hoyer, Chairman of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation Hans-Gert Pöttering, Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Costa, Prime Minister of Malta Joseph Muscat former President of the European Parliament Martin Schultz, and other high-ranking officials.
