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.

Please confirm

Please click the button to download the video from YouTube.
In the process, data is transmitted to YouTube.
By clicking the button, you agree to this.

You can find more information in our privacy policy.

View Video

Latest news

06. October 2026

Freedom of Research: A European Summit 2026

How free must research be for Europe to remain innovative and competitive? This question is at the heart of the third “Freedom of Research: A European Summit”, taking place on 4 and 5 November 2026 in Aachen. With a Symposium, an Evening Reception and the Stand-up FoR Science NIGHT, the Summit brings together representatives from science, politics, business and society – offering new perspectives, lively debate and fresh ideas. Programme and further information: www.for-summit.eu

18. August 2026

Project Prize Fund: Charlemagne Prize Foundation supports Ukrainian child protection projects with €400,000

The International Charlemagne Prize and the 2025 Charlemagne Prize Laureate, Ursula von der Leyen, are using the Project Prize Fund to support two Ukrainian projects: Magnolia searches for children who have gone missing, been separated from their families or forcibly taken to occupied territories or Russia since the beginning of Russia’s war of aggression. Through the project run by Posmishka UA, a barrier-free training flat is being established in the heavily war-affected Zaporizhzhia region, where children with disabilities can learn skills to help them live as independently as possible.

12. August 2026

Europe Table: An exchange for the future of Europe

At our new dialogue format, Europe Table – organised jointly with Table.Briefings – high-profile representatives from the worlds of politics and business gathered on the sidelines of the 2026 FEI World Championships in Aachen to discuss pressing social issues. Two Charlemagne Prize laureates, Maria Kalesnikava and Martin Schulz, along with Federal Minister Dorothee Bär, provided insights for approximately 200 international guests.

The InternationalCharlemagne Prize of Aachen