The International
Charlemagne Prize of Aachen

The International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen,
first awarded in 1950, is the oldest and most renowned prize awarded to individuals or institutions for their services to Europe and European unity.

Laureate 2026

Professor Mario Draghi

Professor Mario Draghi, former President of the European Central Bank and former Prime Minister of the Italian Republic, was awarded the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen on 14 May 2026.

The award ceremony took place in the Coronation Hall of Aachen Town Hall.

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Latest news

12. May 2026

2026 Charlemagne Youth Prize: European laureates announced

The prestigious European Charlemagne Youth Prize was awarded today in Aachen to an Estonian project promoting women’s participation, a French app encouraging political engagement, and a Spanish network fostering relations with China. Each year, the European Parliament and the Charlemagne Prize Foundation select three youth-led projects from a list of national winners that promote democracy, active citizenship, and bringing people together. Further information can be found here.

06. May 2026

Merz, Mitsotakis and Lagarde to Speak at the 2026 Charlemagne Prize Ceremony

The International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen and the City of Aachen are pleased to announce two outstanding figures shaping European politics as speakers for the ceremonial presentation of the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen on 14 May 2026: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. At the ceremonial dinner on the evening before, Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank, will deliver the keynote speech.

13. April 2026

The Charlemagne Prize side programme 2026 is now online

The Charlemagne Prize side programme 2026 is now available. Look forward to around 50 events spanning politics, culture and society! The focus lies on current challenges facing the EU, as well as the much-noted “Draghi Report”. At the same time, the programme brings a touch of Italy to Aachen, with cultural and culinary insights into the prize winner’s home country.

The InternationalCharlemagne Prize of Aachen