Mario Draghi awarded 2026 Charlemagne Prize for report on developing EU's political and economic strength

Mario Draghi has been awarded the 2026 International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen for his "decisive and formative contribution to the debate on the Union's further development into an effective political and economic community that can assert its values in a changing world".

The Board of Directors of Society for the Charlemagne Prize announced on 17/01/2026 that they were awarding the prize to the former President of the European Central Bank and former Prime Minister of the Italian Republic, singling out his 2024 report on the EU's future competitiveness.

The report "outlines the plans needed to ensure competitiveness, growth, and stability in the EU", the board said. They continued: "In times of great uncertainty and challenge, we need bridge builders, mediators and warning voices, visionaries and strategic thought leaders with the ability to recognise and create paths towards a better future. Leaders who take responsibility at historic milestones, when century-long projects are in danger of failing, even at times of uncertain public approval and failing support from large…