Mario Draghi awarded 2026 Charlemagne Prize for services to European unity
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Former European Central Bank president and former Italian prime minister Mario Draghi has been awarded the 2026 International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen, one of Europe’s most prestigious honours recognising contributions to European unity.
The Charlemagne Prize committee said Draghi was being recognised for his services to Europe during periods of economic and political uncertainty. Organisers highlighted his leadership at the European Central Bank during the eurozone debt crisis, including his pledge to do “whatever it takes” to preserve the euro.
The committee also pointed to Draghi’s recent work on European competitiveness and reform. His report on the future of European competitiveness warned that the European Union risked falling behind global rivals unless it increased investment and innovation.
According to the organisers, Draghi has combined economic leadership with a commitment to European cooperation and integration.
The International Charlemagne Prize has been awarded since 1950 to individuals and institutions considered to have made significant contributions to European unity. Previous recipients have included Angela Merkel and Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
