The prestigious award, also known as "Oscar in Politics", has been extended to Martin Schulz for his efforts to promote democracy in Europe, defend the interests of European citizens, strengthen the role of the European Parliament, and foster European identity.
According to the President, Martin Schulz's commitment to Europe, his ability to hear different opinions and find the right compromise for 500 million population contribute in a significant way to the strengthening of the European Union as a whole. Working for the good of European people, the President noted, this politician has defended the core principles of democracy – the rights of European citizens and the responsibility of EU institutions.
Two years ago, the International Charlemagne Prize was awarded to President Dalia Grybauskaitė for Lithuania's contribution to promoting the unity of the European Union and building economic stability in the whole of Europe. The President's role in reforming the structure of the EU budget and ensuring the dynamic development of the Baltic States was also accentuated.
It was this year's laureate, European Parliament President Martin Schulz, who delivered the laudatio in honor of the President of Lithuania at the ceremony of presenting her with the Charlemagne Prize.
Taking part in a solemn ceremony at Aachen Cathedral this year were King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, King Abdullah II of Jordan, German President Joachim Gauck, French President François Hollande, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, Finnish President Sauli Niinistö, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, European Council President Donald Tusk, Latvian Prime Minister Laimdota Straujuma, Croatian Prime Minister Zoran Milanović, President Norbert Lammert of the Bundestag, Chancellor Werner Faymann of Austria, the European Investment Bank's President Werner Hoyer, Konrad Adenauer Foundation's Chairman Hans-Gert Pöttering, and other high-level officials.
During her meetings with European leaders gathered for the event, President Dalia Grybauskaitė discussed important EU issues, preparations for the upcoming Eastern Partnership summit in Riga, and the strengthening of regional and European security.
