Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the people of Ukraine will receive the prestigious 2023 Charlemagne Prize for Services to Europe, the prize’s board and the German city of Aachen announced on Friday.
“In 2023 We consider the awarding of the Charlemagne Prize as an act of solidarity with Ukraine”, explained Jürgen Linden, president of the jury of the prize. According to him, the decision was taken by all votes, “in the current situation in Europe”, there was no alternative.
Under the leadership of V. Zelensky, the Ukrainian people defend not only the sovereignty of their country and the lives of its citizens, “but also Europe and European values”, the council said. The award emphasizes that Ukraine is part of Europe. Citizens and government officials deserve “encouragement” and “a quick start to EU accession negotiations”.
According to the council, V. Zelensky is “a diplomat, a motivator and, if he thinks the situation calls for it, a very consistent critic.”
The premium has been awarded since 1950. for services to Europe and European unification.
It is named after Charlemagne, whose empire spanned much of Western Europe and whose capital was Aachen. The award comes with a medal and citation, there is no monetary award.
Source: The Delfi
