French President Emmanuel Macron has accepted renowned Charlemagne Prize. Macron is a "courageous thought-maker for renewal of European Dream", Board of Trustees of prize founded decision. He was named for his powerful vision of a new Europe and his fight against nationalism and isolationism. The Charlemagne Prize has been awarded since 1950 to personalities and institutions that have made a leading position for European integration. The name is Emperor Charles great.

The eulogy was held by Chancellor Angela Merkel. The time shows that "freedom values are a fragile good," she said, praising Macron's enthusiasm. The EU needs a new departure and must take its fate into its own hands, Merkel said. Previously, mayor of Aachen, Marcel Philipp (CDU) had criticized that media would not discuss Macron's ideas in a coherent manner. They would be "fragmented and thus downright destroyed".

Merkel had received Charlemagne Prize ten years ago – and is currently with Macron in clinch over his European policy reform ideas. Macron had attracted attention in September with his European speech at Sorbonne University in Paris. He called for a "new foundation" of EU after Brexit. Lastly, Macron Merkel had repeatedly urged to support EU reforms. Marcon confirmed his demand in his speech in Aachen: "We have to dare something, we have to act now," said Macron.

Guests of award ceremony at ceremony in historic Coronation Hall of Aachen City Hall were heads of state and Government from Spain, Luxembourg, Bulgaria, Croatia, Lithuania and Ukraine. The Karlspreisträger from year 2015, Martin Schulz, also came. He had asked Merkel to go more towards Macron. The me of Europe in Coalition treaty was "not in vain first place".

No surpluses at expense of or

In Berlin, Macron's proposal for a common European budgetary skepticism is particularly arousing. During visit to Germany by French president, Merkel and Macron had acknowledged differences and agreed to seek a compromise by June summit. "I believe in a more integrated eurozone with its own budget," said Macron in his speech. "In Germany, re can be no perpetual fetishism for household and trade surpluses because y are achieved at expense of ors."

During awarding of prize, nuclear power opponents against French President demonstrated at gates of Aachen Cadral. The activists see Macron as being responsible for closure of nuclear power plants Doel at Antwerp and Tihange near Aachen.

Date Of Update: 11 May 2018, 12:02