President Klaus Iohannis was awarded the European Charles IV Prize of the Association of Southern Germans „in recognition of his merits” on „understanding and cooperation between the peoples and countries of Europe” at a ceremony in the German city of Hof on Saturday, June 4. Central, the Presidential Administration transmitted.
„I am especially honored by this award and I receive it on behalf of the Romanian citizens who have given me the confidence for two terms as President of Romania and who have demonstrated in the 15 years since my country’s accession to the European Union, daily, their involvement for European unity and solidarity”, said Klaus Iohannis in his speech in the German city of Hof.
The head of state then stated that the states of the European Union are united to face the security challenges, in the context of the war started by Russia in Ukraine.
„We strongly reaffirm that the European Union is united around its founding values, in which Romania and Romanians strongly believe: freedom, democracy, the rule of law, solidarity, cooperation and mutual respect”, said Klaus Iohannis.
At the same time, the president pointed out that „together with the transatlantic allies we defend our common values” and that the EU needs to be „strong, committed and influential” to address security, defense, energy and environmental issues.
The Association of South Germans has decided to award the prize to the head of state since 2020, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ceremony has been postponed for two years.
The award is named after Charles IV, German Emperor and King of Bohemia (1316-1378), and aims to „encourage a just order of the peoples and states of Central Europe”.
The President of Romania was also awarded for his commitment to European values last year.
