Coudenhove-Kalergi European Prize for President Klaus Iohannis
In a festive ceremony in Bucharest, the ‘Coudenhove-Kalergi European Prize 2020’ was awarded to Romanian President Klaus Iohannis.
Every two years, the Coudenhove-Kalergi European Society awards the ‘Coudenhove-Kalergi European Prize’. In 2020, the prize went to Romanian President Klaus Iohannis. This was not the first time a Romanian President has been honoured with this European award. Before Iohannis, Emil Constantinescu – who attended the award ceremony for Iohannis – was honoured with this Pan-European prize in 1998. The award ceremony took place on 3 March 2020 in Bucharest.
Prince Nikolaus of Liechtenstein, President of the Coudenhove-Kalergi European Society, highlighted in his justification for the award the President’s personal commitment to European understanding in Romania. “The prize is awarded ad personam. Considering Romania’s size, its rich culture, its bridging function between various European regions and its South-Eastern European neighbours, a high-ranking political figure in this country also bears a special responsibility for peaceful European development.” President Iohannis carries this responsibility with “dignity and respect for democratic institutions”. For the President, the question of European unity and European values has always been paramount. His commitment to justice, even when often associated with personal risk, “is an example that deserves recognition beyond Romania’s borders.”
DIGNITY, RESPECT AND RESPONSIBILITY
The fact that Klaus Iohannis comes from a minority in the country demonstrates his standing within the nation and also honours the citizens of Romania. As Mayor of Hermannstadt / Sibiu, he already championed his hometown’s designation as a European Capital of Culture.
The actual laudation for President Iohannis was delivered by former President of the European Council and current EPP leader, Donald Tusk.
In his acceptance speech, Iohannis himself addressed the significance of the prize’s namesake, Richard Coudenhove-Kalergi, for the unification of Europe. His commitment could still serve as an example for the European political process today. For Romania, the President stated, accession to the EU meant “a return to the European family, with which it is connected through history, culture, and civilisation, as well as through the importance of liberal democracy for its citizens.” In 1989, these citizens demonstrated with great sacrifice that they belong to the political, democratic, and cultural space of Europe, from which they had been separated after the Second World War.
The Coudenhove-Kalergi European Prize is awarded every two years to an individual who has contributed to a peacefully united Europe.
The Presidium of the International Paneuropa-Union was represented at the award ceremony by the Secretary-General of the Paneuropa-Union Spain, Carlos Uriarte Sanchez.
Image credit: Carlos Uriarte Sanchez. From left: Romanian Guard soldier; Carlos Uriarte Sanchez, Secretary-General of Paneuropa Spain and member of the Presidium of the Paneuropa-Union; Prince Nikolaus of Liechtenstein, President of the Coudenhove-Kalergi European Society; Klaus Iohannis, President of Romania; Donald Tusk, EPP President; Dr. Heinz Wimpissinger, Secretary-General of the Coudenhove-Kalergi European Society; Romanian Guard soldier.
