Charlemagne Prize
The Charlemagne Youth Prize is a joint initiative of the former President of the European Parliament, Hans-Gert Pöttering, who is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Charlemagne Prize, and the Honorary Chairman of the Charlemagne Prize Foundation, André Leysen. The aim was to win the hearts and commitment of young people. In a contest, young Europeans who are particularly committed to Europe in an exemplary manner and who actively participate in shaping Europe with projects and ideas should be honoured. On 27 September 2007, the European Charlemagne Prize for Youth was adopted by the Bureau of the European Parliament. The first award ceremony took place in Aachen on 29 April 2008. Since then, the prize has been awarded annually in the run-up to the presentation of the Charlemagne Prize.