Events

Charlemagne Prize Forum on Europe

Conference

A platform for Europe's future

Convinced that Europe needs a platform in these times of great change to discuss its future role in the world, the further process of European integration and the political, economic and social issues that this entails, the Charlemagne Prize Forum on Europe was established in Aachen in recent years.

The aim of the Charlemagne Prize Forum on Europe is to complement and promote the high reputation enjoyed by the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen at European level by hosting a high-level conference attended by international decision-makers from politics, business and society, and to contribute to international understanding and to the promotion and deepening of the European integration process.

The conference takes place on the Wednesday before Ascension Day. From 2006 to 2009, the Forum was organised by the Charlemagne Prize Foundation and the City of Aachen in cooperation with Deutsche Telekom AG. Since 2010, the Charlemagne Prize Foundation's new partner and main sponsor, the National Association of German Cooperative Banks (BVR), has been co-organising the Forum.

28 May 2025

New Independence – Europe without the U.S.?

A day before the award ceremony of the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen, leading figures from politics, business, science, media, culture, and society traditionally come together for a perspectives conference to discuss pressing challenges. This year, the focus will be on the question of how the currently strained transatlantic relationship is affecting European security and defence policy, and how the EU's competitiveness in the global economy stands.

The Forum 2025 is jointly organised by the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen, the City of Aachen and the Federal Association of German Cooperative Banks (BVR).

For invited guests only.

In cooperation with the Munich Security Conference, the public part of the event will take place between 11.30 am and 1 pm:

Zeitenwende on Tour

In an open townhall discussion, citizens will come together with guests from politics, academia, and civil society to discuss Germany’s role in the EU and NATO, the strengthening of democratic values, and current security threats. The aim is to reinforce the resilience of democracy and to promote broad public engagement with security policy issues. Admission is free. Registration is required via https://karlspreis.events.

Agenda of the Charlemagne Prize Forum on Europe 2025

DAS LIEBIG, Conference Centre Aachen, 10 AM -5 PM
10.00 AM
Welcome Address
10.05 AM
Opening Speech

 

Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, Charlemagne Prize Laureate 2024, President of the CER

10.15 AM
Panel Discussion: Europe’s Digital Sovereignty: Between Innovation, Security, and Global Competition

As digital sovereignty becomes a key strategic challenge amid growing threats to cybersecurity, disinformation, and space-based infrastructure, this panel explores Europe's path toward autonomy in emerging technologies. How can Europe strengthen its technological foundation while fostering innovation and securing its values in an increasingly contested global landscape?

 

Speakers:
• Dr. Josef Aschbacher, Director General of the European Space Agency (ESA)
• Nicole Büttner-Thiel, Founder of Merantix Momentum, AI Entrepreneur and Tech-Investor
• Taavi Rõivas, Former Prime Minister of Estonia, Chairman at Auve Tech
• Dr. Christina Caffarra, Co-Founder of the CEPR Competition Research Policy Network
Moderation: Jamil Anderlini, Regional Director, POLITICO Europe

11.30 AM
Zeitenwende on Tour (In cooperation with the Munich Security Conference)

This open Townhall discussion brings together voices from politics, academia, and civil society to engage with the public on Germany's role within the EU and NATO, the defense of democratic values, and responses to current security threats. The aim is to foster a broader public dialogue on foreign and security policy and strengthen democratic resilience.


Speakers:
• Dr.-Ing. Walther Pelzer, Director General, German Space Agency, DLR
• Benedikt Franke, CEO, Munich Security Conference
Moderation: Katja Gloger, STERN

11.30 AM
Panel Discussion: More Europe for a Stronger Europe?

In this high-level conversation, leaders from the Western Balkans discuss the transformative potential of EU enlargement as a driver of reform and a signal of strength. How can the EU’s credibility in the accession process boost stability, foster democratic resilience, and strengthen Europe's global standing?

 

Speakers:
• H.E. Albin Kurti, Prime Minister of Kosovo
• H.E. Adea Pirdeni, Minister of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption of Albania
• Albert Hani, President of the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO)
Moderation: Adelheid Feilcke, Deutsche Welle

1.00 PM
Lunch
1.30 PM
Spotlight Conversation

 

Veronica Tsepkalo, Charlemagne Prize Laureate 2022, Chairwoman of the Belarus Women’s Foundation

2.00 PM
Speech

 

H.E. Andrius Kubilius, European Commissioner for Defense and Space

2.25 PM
Panel Discussion: European Competitiveness in a New Global Economy

As global markets are reshaped by green and digital transitions, geopolitical rivalries, and the rise of new industrial strategies, the question of how Europe can stay competitive has never been more urgent. Can the EU respond cohesively to safeguard its prosperity, ensuring long-term resilience? What role do deep and integrated capital markets, a strong cooperative banking sector, and bold industrial policy play in Europe’s economic future?


Speakers:
• H.E. Maria Luís Albuquerque, European Commissioner for Financial Stability, Financial Services, and the Capital Markets Union
• Daniel Quinten, Board Member, BVR; President, European Association of Co-operative Banks
• Frank Koch, CEO, Swiss Steel Group
Moderation: Anke Plättner, TV-Host at PHOENIX

2.25 PM
Interactive Session: NextGen Perspectives: Charting Europe’s Path Through Global Challenges (In cooperation with the European Parliament)

This interactive town hall session highlights the young voices defining Europe's future, addressing the continent’s critical challenges—from global shifts and economic resilience to climate change and digital transformation. The conversation with Members of the European Parliament will explore how youth participation can drive policymaking and shape Europe’s strategic vision both domestically and globally.


In conversation with:
• Sabine Verheyen, First Vice-President of the European Parliament
• Dr. Tobias Cremer, MEP
• Lídia Pereira, MEP

4.00 PM
In Conversation with the Charlemagne Prize Laureate 2025

 

H.E. Dr. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission


Moderation: Roger de Weck