Merkel to speak at Macron’s acceptance of award for European unity
Aachen, Germany – German Chancellor Angela Merkel is due to speak at the ceremony where this year’s Charlemagne Prize will be presented to French President Emmanuel Macron.
“It is the opportunity for the German government to give a concrete response to Macron’s speech on the renewal of the European project, rather than only speaking about timetables,” Juergen Linden, the chair of the prize’s board of directors, said Thursday.
Established by citizens of Aachen, Germany, in 1950, the Charlemagne Prize recognizes the most valuable contribution to Western European understanding.
Macron was announced as the winner in December, with the prize committee calling him “a courageous pioneer for the revitalization of the European dream.” He is to be handed the award in a ceremony on May 10.
Merkel herself won the award in 2008.
A committed EU supporter, Macron laid out ambitious plans in September for reforming the bloc, including tax harmonization and a stronger eurozone budget funded by a dedicated tax. The plans have been met with caution and in some cases opposition from members of Germany’s governing coalition.
Macron and Merkel are aiming to present a united proposal for Europe’s revival by an EU summit at the end of June.
Source: dpa
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