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The
Karlspreis (; full name originally
Internationaler Karlspreis der Stadt Aachen,
International Charlemagne Prize of the City of Aachen, since 1988
Internationaler Karlspreis zu Aachen,
International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen) is one of the most prestigious European prizes. It has been awarded once a year since 1950 by the
German city of
Aachen to people who contributed to the ideals upon which it has been founded. It commemorates
Charlemagne, ruler of the
Frankish Empire and founder of what became the
Holy Roman Empire, who resided and is buried at Aachen. Traditionally the award is given to the recipient on the
Ascension holiday in a ceremony in the town hall of Aachen.
On 19 December 1949,
Kurt Pfeiffer presented to the reading group "Corona Legentium Aquensis", which he'd founded, his proposals for the prize: "We have the honour of proposing annual presentation of an international prize for the most valuable contribution in the services of Western European understanding and work for the community, and in the services of humanity and world peace. This contribution may be in the field of literary, scientific, economic or political endeavour."
The sponsors of the prize, the City of Aachen, refer to Charlemagne as the "Founder of Western Culture", and assert that under his reign, the City of Aachen was once the spiritual and political centre of the whole of what is now
western Europe.
The first Charlemagne Prize was awarded to Richard Count Coudenhove-Kalergi, the founder of the
Pan-European Movement.
Following the presentation of the award to the Italian Prime Minister Alcide de Gasperi in 1952, the International Charlemagne Prize of the City of Aachen has repeatedly sent messages going far beyond Germany and promoting the "unity of Europe".
The award sponsors assert that the list of Charlemagne Prize winners reflects the history of the European process of unification. They continue that it has been awarded to the founding fathers of the
United Europe such as
de Gasperi,
Schuman,
Monnet and
Adenauer, and to those who have embodied hope for integration such as
Edward Heath,
Konstantin Karamanlis, and His Majesty
Juan Carlos I.
The sponsors promote that the Charlemagne Prize isn't only an expression of gratitude for lasting services for the unity of Europe, but also an encouragement and an expression of hopes and expectations directed towards the future. They quote
Kurt Pfeiffer: "the Charlemagne Prize reaches into the future, and at the same time it embodies an obligation - an obligation of the highest ethical value. It is directed at a voluntary union of the European peoples without constraint, so that in their new found strength they may defend the highest earthly goods - freedom, humanity and peace - and safeguard the future of their children and children's children."
Past recipients
Further Information
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