The 2026 International Karlspreis in Aachen is awarded to Mario Draghi, recognizing his pivotal role in European integration and his decisive leadership during the euro crisis, including the iconic pledge that there is nothing left to do but act—“whatever it takes” to save the euro.

In a pre-recorded message, Draghi, now 78, warned that Europe faces internal and external threats and urged Europeans to unite to strengthen the continent militarily, economically, and politically.

Draghi expressed gratitude for the prize in a video message, emphasizing that European unity is essential to overcome challenges and safeguard the EU.

Context around the award includes ongoing discussions of Europe’s future, with links to topics such as the EU, the ECB, and ambitions for greater European unity.

Organizers described Europe as facing a grave situation, warning against becoming a pawn to foreign powers amid multiple geopolitical crises.

Laschet cited Draghi’s assessment of European competitiveness as informing current EU leaders’ drive for a stronger economy and strategic autonomy.

Additional resources noted include a Spiegel analysis on Europe’s strategies to overcome the economic crisis and a piece on Draghi’s career and Brexit-era comments.

Draghi’s 2024 flagship report on competitiveness proposed far-reaching reforms, including common capital markets regulation and significant red tape reduction for businesses, with hundreds of recommendations.

Laschet argues Draghi’s call to action—“Whatever it takes”—remains relevant to push EU leaders past petty disputes toward greater competitiveness and decisive action.

The Karlspreis-Direktorium describes Europe’s current situation as dramatic and urges better competitiveness and innovation to avoid becoming pawns of others, highlighting Draghi’s 2024 report.

The prize committee emphasizes that Draghi’s 2024 competitiveness report warned the EU must innovate to keep pace with the USA and China, and supports implementing its recommendations.

The prize directors view competitiveness as foundational to Europe’s influence, with the award signaling the need for concrete policy action.