Draghi: 'Europe has more enemies than ever, inside and outside. Get stronger'

"This decision comes at a time when Europe has many enemies, perhaps more than ever before, both internal and external". This was stated by former Prime Minister Mario Draghi in a video message broadcast during the announcement of the winner of the Charlemagne Prize, according to Dpa. To preserve the European Union, Europeans must be more united than ever, he warned, saying he was "extremely grateful" for the award. "We must overcome our self-inflicted weaknesses. And we must become stronger: militarily, economically and politically." Draghi will receive the award in May for his work for European unity.

"The situation is dramatic: Europe is in danger of becoming a toy in the hands of other powers. That is why, at this decisive stage, it is crucial to guarantee Europe's capacity for action and sovereignty. Important steps have been taken in the field of defence, but security and strategic independence fundamentally require an economically strong Europe. Competitiveness and economic strength are therefore the indispensable basis for a sovereign, strong and autonomous Europe. Like no other, Mario Draghi stands for the economic strengthening of Europe and his 2024 'Draghi Report', named after him, represents the strategy needed to ensure competitiveness, growth and stability in the European Union'. So reads the motivation for the award of the Charlemagne Prize to the former ECB president.