The Romanian President Klaus Iohannis received the Aachen Charlemagne Prize 2020 for his services to European values. The head of state had led Romania with great commitment and success to a pro-European policy based on the rule of law, the Karlspreis Directorate justified his decision.
The bourgeois politician strengthens the European Union, is committed to its goals and promotes cooperation between the member countries. His achievement was one of the greatest advances in integration since 1989, the statement said.
The President of Romania honors "an outstanding champion for European values, for freedom and democracy, the protection of minorities and cultural diversity". The Board also recognized its services to the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary in Romania.
Iohannis was again elected president in a runoff election in November with a two-thirds majority. He wants to bring the country back on a pro-European course, but his domestic political balance is mixed: Although he defends himself against nationalists in his own country, he also left numerous election promises unfulfilled.
The award ceremony will take place on Ascension Day, May 21, in the Coronation Hall of Aachen City Hall. The International Charlemagne Prize in Aachen has traditionally been awarded at Ascension Day since 1950 for special services to European unification. This year, UN Secretary-General António Guterres was honored, and French President Emmanuel Macron in 2018.