Overview
- The Karlspreis-Direktorium recognized the former ECB president and Italian prime minister for contributions to European unification.
- In its justification, the committee called the situation “dramatic” and urged the European Commission and EU leaders to implement the Draghi-Report without delay.
- Draghi’s 2024 report warned that the EU must accelerate innovation to avoid falling behind the United States and China.
- The award will be conferred in Aachen on Ascension Day, May 14, 2026.
- Since 2025, the honor has carried a €1 million endowment intended to fund pro‑European projects.