European Commission President Urges Independent Europe in Karl Prize Speech
European Commission President von der Leyen advocates for the construction of a self-reliant continent in her Charlemagne Prize speech. - EU Proposes Boosting Number of Financially Supported Initiatives in Education and Vocational Development
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, staunchly advocated for a "truly independent Europe" during her acceptance speech for the International Karl Prize. She highlighted the escalating geopolitical tensions as the rationale behind this call, describing the current state of international relations as "international disorder."
Addressing an audience in Aachen, von der Leyen emphasized that Europe is "at a fundamental crossroads." The choice, she said, lies between reacting only to immediate crises or seizing opportunities to shape the continent's future. A new international order, she surmised, will emerge within this decade, and if Europe chooses to act, "we must shape this new order."
She delineated four significant tasks integral to this independent Europe: bolstering defense and a competitive capacity, fostering unity through the expansion of the European Union to nations like Ukraine, Moldova, and Western Balkan countries, and reinforcing democratic values.
In a response to von der Leyen's speech at Aachen's town hall, Olaf Scholz praised her for providing Europe with a powerful voice in the global arena. He stated, "Henry Kissinger would no longer have to wonder who to call to speak to Europe; he would call Ursula von der Leyen." Scholz hailed the "peace project Europe" and urged further development.
Germany's readiness to strive towards this independent Europe was emphasized by Scholz. He pledged that Germany would back Ukraine militarily, financially, and politically, and make "far-reaching decisions" at the upcoming NATO summit, focusing on Europe's security and strengthening the transatlantic alliance.
Spanish King Felipe VI, in his speech, cautioned against "misguided voices" advocating for the dismantling of the European Union. He underscored the importance of cooperation in facing global challenges, adding that without it, Europe would be "lost."
The International Karl Prize, established in 1950, is awarded annually to individuals or institutions that have made significant contributions to Europe and European unity. Besides von der Leyen, recipients include Pope Francis, President Emmanuel Macron, and Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt. Last year, the prize went to the Jewish communities in Europe, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy received it this year, although he could not attend the ceremony due to a visit to Berlin.
[1] Future European Defense Spending[2] The Vision for a 21st-Century Pax Europaea[3] Transatlantic Partnerships and NATO's Role[4] The Necessity of Economic Self-Sufficiency for Europe[5] Fostering Unity and Upheld Values within the EU]
- In her speech for the International Karl Prize, Ursula von der Leyen underscores the importance of Europe achieving economic self-sufficiency, a key aspect of her vision for a 21st-century Pax Europaea.
- Despite the challenges posed by geopolitical tensions, Friedrich Merz, a potential successor to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, calls for education and self-development as critical components for shaping the future of politics within Europe.
