14 May 2026
Aachen celebrates Europe
The whole of Aachen will become a hub for European dialogue when, on 14 May 2026, the former President of the European Central Bank and former Prime Minister of the Italian Republic, Prof. Dr Mario Draghi, is honoured with the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen. The formal ceremony in the Coronation Hall of Aachen Town Hall begins at 11:15 am and will be broadcast live throughout the city and on WDR. Prior to this, the traditional Pontifical Mass for the Charlemagne Prize award ceremony will take place at 9:00 am in Aachen Cathedral.
We invite you to a major open-air festival on the Katschhof, featuring music, discussions and a varied programme that brings Europe’s diversity and cohesion to life. Together, we want to continue celebrating Europe in the future – its values, its achievements and its future.
Agenda
9:00 a.m.
Pontifical Mass
Aachen Cathedral
11:15 a.m.
Ceremony
Coronation Hall of Aachen Town Hall
Agenda Karlspreis LIVE
11:00 a.m.
Opening of information stands
11:15 a.m.
TV broadcast
A live television broadcast of the ceremony will be shown on a large screen in the Market Square, followed by an open-air festival, Karlspreis LIVE, at Katschhof in Aachen city centre.