Merz acknowledges Charles Prize winner from the Leyen as a voice of Europe | EUROtoday

She is a “strong representative of a strong Europe”: Chancellor Merz acknowledged this yr’s Karlspreis wearer from Leyen. The EU head of fee herself known as for an impartial Europe.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz acknowledged the EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on the event of her award with the Charles Prize as “strong representative of a strong Europe”. At the award in Aachen, Merz stated to his CDU social gathering colleague: “You give Europe a voice in the world, a European voice.”

The award is “well deserved,” stated Merz in his eulogy. Former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger “would certainly no longer have to ask who to call to speak to Europe,” stated the Chancellor. “He would call Ursula from Leyen.”

From the Leyen appeals to independence

The award winner herself known as in her speech to create an impartial Europe. It is “essentially about our freedom,” stated von der Leyen after accepting the worth. One shouldn’t indulge within the false impression that all the pieces would change into like earlier than. “It won’t come like that.”

The geopolitical tensions are big. “The world is once again characterized by imperial powers and imperial wars. Grämten who are willing to use all louder and unfair means to get an advantage,” she warned. Europe is confronted with decided democracy communities: “There is no impressive example of Putin’s brutal, unscrupulous war against Ukraine.”

Therefore, the necessity to spend money on European safety is changing into more and more pressing. “A new international order will be left out in this decade,” stated von der Leyen. This new order should be designed by Europe. Economic relationships with the USA must change into extra secure once more, “but we also know that 87 percent of world trade takes place with other countries”. Europe additionally presents alternatives for these nations.

Merz confirmed Leadership in Europa

In his speech, the Chancellor known as Europe a “peace project”, but additionally warned additional improvement. “We will have to develop the peace project Europe, which was so successful internally, to a peace project,” stated Merz.

Germany is able to “go ahead with all determination”. Europe should be so robust that it might “restore peace on our continent and to secure freedom in the long run”. “In Europe, we know the knowledge” that energy should be certain by legislation and legislation, “otherwise tyranny threatens”. “In Europe, we have the knowledge of the Enlightenment” that everybody is provided with dignity.

The federal authorities will proceed to assist Ukraine “with all strength”, stated Merz. The protection industries in Europe must work extra carefully collectively. “We Germans are ready to take far-reaching decisions at the NATO summit in June.” According to NATO General Secretary Mark Rutte, the alliance states are prone to agree on protection expenditure of a complete of 5 p.c of the financial output.

More conventional Price for International understanding and cooperation

The Charles Prize Directorate defined that “an excellent chief of the United Europe is honored by the Leyen. According to the organizers, the worldwide award, which was, endowed for the primary time this yr, is the oldest and most necessary award for deserves about worldwide understanding and cooperation in Europe. The prize cash is for use for initiatives in favor of Ukrainian youngsters. The award winners and the Charles Prize Directorate collectively determine on the award.

Also the Spanish king Felipe VI. In his speech, has stood behind the European ideas. He rejected calls for for a reversal of the European Union. “We have to stand up to you: dangerous and misguided voices that argue that Europeans are more freely, more independent and sovereign if they live in separate national political communities and tackle global challenges alone.” Nothing however may very well be additional away from the reality.

Ukraine: Selenskyj departure not due to Russia

The Ukrainian embassy in Berlin has denied media reviews, in line with which President Wolodymyr Selenskyj is claimed to have canceled participation within the awarding of the Charles Prize for an impending main offensive in Russia. These reviews “do not correspond to the truth”, it stated in a proof.

When requested, the message identified that Selenskyj’s participation within the award ceremony was by no means confirmed, however was solely handled as a attainable choice. Selenskyj ended his go to to Germany on Wednesday night after just some hours in Berlin.