Charlemagne Prize Receives Major Financial Boost

The Charlemagne Prize, a prestigious European award recognizing contributions to European unity, is set to receive a significant financial boost. From 2025, marking its 75th anniversary, the prize will be endowed with one million euros, a move facilitated by a private foundation established by Eckhard Schulz and Stefanie Schäfer-Schulz, a couple from Aachen.

Historically, the prize, which previously consisted only of a certificate and a medal, will now include substantial monetary support. This endowment aims to finance new or existing pro-European projects, furthering the ideals of the European Union. The prize's enhancement underscores a commitment to fostering collaboration and understanding across borders.

Notable past recipients of the Charlemagne Prize include Pope Francis, French President Emmanuel Macron, and, most recently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy along with the Ukrainian people. In 2024, the award will honor Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt and Jewish communities in Europe.

Beyond the prize money, an additional half-million euros will be allocated to the Charlemagne Prize Foundation to enhance staff and outreach efforts, underscoring the foundation's dedication to European unity as an ongoing effort. This substantial donation surpasses even the financial recognition of the Nobel Prizes, highlighting the importance placed on promoting European values.

The endowment is a testament to the foundation's belief in the EU as a peace project, reflecting the dependence of businesses and communities on a stable and united Europe. The forthcoming prize ceremony is scheduled for May 29, 2025, in Aachen, an event that will undoubtedly celebrate this new chapter in the prize's history.