AWARD of the European Prize Coudenhove-Kalergi to the British politician Kenneth Clarke in London on 17 January 2017

The European Prize Coudenhove Kalergi is conferred every two years to outstanding personalities, having contributed to a Europe united in peace. Former European Council President Herman Van Rompuy, German Chancellors Helmut Kohl and Angela Merkel, the musician Yehudi Menuhin and US President Ronald Reagan were among the former prize-winners. In 2016 the members of the Society elected a highly esteemed UK politician: Since his student times engaged in European cooperation, Kenneth Clarke serves his country since 1970 till today in the House of Commons. He belonged for 20 years to different British governments, mostly in Cabinet. Among others as Chancellor of the Exchequer (Finance Minister) and as Lord Chancellor (Justice Minister) he was an eminent contributor to European cooperation in the EU’s Council of Minister and also in the European Council. In spite of his engagement for an active participation of his country in the EU, more than once, polls showed him to be the most popular politician of his Conservative Party. The Society honours in Kenneth Clarke a politician who preferred to remain loyal to his European convictions than to seek the highest government posting. The Prize may also be an encouragement to continue to be a “bridge-builder”, also after the Brexit vote. Richard Coudenhove-Kalergi, after whom the Prize is named, founded after World War I the Paneuropean Movement in view of establishing a peaceful order. His initiative was essential in preparing the process of European unity after World War II. In keeping his heritage, the European Society Coudenhove-Kalergi pursues a comprehensive European concept, encompassing existing institutions, including all European nations in a peaceful order, furthering the welfare of its citizens.

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