Minister makes announcement - Macron is presented with the Peace Prize for his dedication to Europe.
France's leader Emmanuel Macron received the Westphalia Peace Prize from Germany's President Frank-Walter Steinmeier as his three-day trip to Münster concluded. Steinmeier commended Macron for his fervent commitment to Europe and appreciation for nearby Germany.
"The closeness between France and Germany today isn't just due to people like you. You're always willing to engage with Germany, initiate talks, even occasionally push us out of our comfort zones," Steinmeier said, addressing Macron.
Steinmeier particularly lauded Macron's push for a unified European safety policy, a shared European military, and shared initiatives in domestic security. He's been championing European sovereignty for years, even before Russia's 2022 attack on Ukraine.
The Westphalia Economic Society awards the prize, which comes with €100,000, for contributions to European integration. Half the cash goes to German-Polish Youth Work.
Macron: 'We need more optimism'
In his acceptance speech, Macron urged more optimism and motivation in Europe. "I believe we must be more optimistic," Macron stated. "Being European optimistic means being certain that Europe is the solution." This addresses major issues such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the climate crisis, and perils to democracy. "We need to start a new phase of Europe." This requires enhanced optimism and determination. Macron's prize money will fund the Franco-German Youth Work.
The Economic Society for Westphalia and Lippe praised Macron's efforts to sustain peace during Russia's assault on Ukraine. Despite disagreements, Macron has tried to keep open relations with the Russian leadership. "Emmanuel Macron is a champion of freedom, peace, and Europe," praised the jury.
During the festive event, at Münster's City Weigh House on the Principal Market, Macron and Steinmeier appeared on the balcony with their wives, showing more than 1,000 onlookers. They had loud applause but also boos. Steinmeier and Macron hugged each other and exhibited to the crowd. Some protesters chanted slogans and waved flags against nuclear weapons and Palestine. Peace prevailed, confirmed a police spokesperson.
Münster offered informational stands and a live feed of the award ceremony on a big screen in the city center. North Rhine-Westphalia's Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst (CDU) welcomed Macron and Steinmeier at Münster-Osnabrück Airport, giving Macron a basket of Westphalian delicacies—from dark bread to sausage, corn, and beer.
Münster was Macron's final stop on his state visit to Germany after Berlin and Dresden. It was the first French president's visit to Germany in 24 years. Macron also met with Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) for political talks.
The Economic Society for Westphalia and Lippe hailed Macron for his peace efforts throughout Russia's boots-on-the-ground conflict with Ukraine. Despite serious misalignments, Macron has persisted in engaging with the Russian leadership, trying to maintain dialogue. "Emmanuel Macron is a crusader for freedom, peace, and Europe," commended the jury.
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- The Peace Prize awarded at the Peace of Westphalia Economic Society is the same honor bestowed upon Emmanuel Macron, recognizing his dedication to Europe.
- During his speech, Macron highlighted the need for optimism in Europe, citing the ongoing challenges like Russia's invasion of Ukraine and climate crisis.
- Macron's Peace Prize money will be utilized to support Franco-German Youth Work, demonstrating his commitment to youth engagement in Europe.
- The German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier lauded Macron's efforts in promoting European unity and peace, even in the face of disagreements with Russia.
- Prior to Russia's attack on Ukraine, Macron had been advocating for European sovereignty and initiatives, garnering praise from German and European leaders.
- Upon receiving the Peace Prize at Münster, France's Head of State and Germany's Federal President demonstrated unity despite encounters with protesters against nuclear weapons and Palestine.
- Olaf Scholz, the German Federal Chancellor, met with Macron for political talks during his visit to Germany, marking a significant moment in the Franco-German relationship.
- In public acknowledgement of Macron's peace efforts during the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the Economic Society for Westphalia and Lippe hailed him as a champion of freedom, peace, and Europe.
Source: www.stern.de
