The Emperor Otto Prize

“[…] It is not a Europe of walls that can reconcile itself across borders, but a continent that takes away the divisiveness of its borders. […]”
Richard von Weizsäcker, first winner of the Kaiser Otto Prize, in his speech to the German Bundestag on 8 May 1985

Over a thousand years ago, Emperor Otto I created a legacy that still characterises our Europe today. His quest for unity and stability united countries and cultures under the banner of the Holy Roman Empire. But his vision went far beyond political borders – his actions today symbolise a united Europe based on shared values and ideals. Today, at a time when our continent is increasingly characterised by crises, the Emperor Otto Prize is a reminder of how important it is to stand up for Europe and its values, for peace and for living together in diversity.

From art and culture to politics and science, the Emperor Otto Prize recognises those who build bridges and create connections to strengthen Europe. In a world where challenges and opportunities go hand in hand, the prize reminds us that we are stronger together.

First awarded in 2005, the Emperor Otto Prize is awarded every two years to internationally renowned and respected personalities and institutions that have rendered outstanding services to promoting the European idea, especially in Eastern and South-Eastern Europe. Visionaries with a clear pro-European stance, central humanitarian and democratic values, who are role models, sources of strength and motivation for others and who bring the idea of a strong Europe to life through words and deeds.

The prize is an honour award in the form of a bronze medal in a contemporary design, which shows the relief or signet of the respective prize winner on the front and one of Otto the Great’s imperial seals on the reverse. This unique work of art was created by Bernd Göbel, Professor Emeritus of Sculpture and Sculpture at Burg Giebichenstein/Hochschule für Kunst und Design in Halle (Saale), who is internationally renowned as a medallist.

The prize is not endowed.