Overview
- Committee chair Armin Laschet said Draghi “saved the euro” in 2012 and that “whatever it takes” applies today to Europe’s competitiveness.
- The jury highlighted Draghi’s 2024 competitiveness report and warned the situation is “dramatic,” with Europe at risk of becoming a plaything of other powers.
- The Karlspreis-Direktorium explicitly called on the European Commission and national leaders to implement the report to strengthen growth and decision-making capacity.
- In a video message, Draghi thanked the jury, voiced frustration over slow follow-through on his recommendations, and urged Europe to grow stronger economically, militarily and politically.
- The award will be presented on May 14 in Aachen and is backed by a €1 million fund intended for pro‑European projects.