NATO receives International Peace of Westphalia Prize in Münster

This year, NATO was awarded the International Peace of Westphalia Prize. In Münster, the Western military alliance was awarded the prize by Chancellor Friedrich Merz. In his laudatory speech he praised the “Alliance of Freedom”. The alliance has guaranteed security and peace in the Euro-Atlantic region for three generations, said Merz. "It protects our security and our prosperity. It serves peace."

The Chancellor explained in Münster why this is so important to Merz, especially based on the Russian threat to his allies, Europe - and specifically Germany. Peace and freedom in Europe are currently at stake, said the Chancellor - "due to Russia's violent, expansive revisionism."

Merz warns of serious hybrid attacks

“It’s also about us,” said the Chancellor. And so - as announced - the award ceremony was used not only to sing the praises of the award winner, but above all to give a keynote speech on security and foreign policy.

“We are preparing for further hybrid attacks, including serious ones,” said Merz, referring to the dangers posed by Moscow. Russia is breaking the most basic rules of international law and the European order in Ukraine with extreme brutality, said Merz. In his speech, he therefore warned urgently: "If we falter in Germany, then Europe falters. If Europe falters, then Ukraine falters too."

And if Ukraine falls, the threat will become even more concrete, according to Merz: "If we don't succeed in stopping Moscow, then sooner or later the Russian war machine will turn against us, against NATO itself." As a scenario, he mentioned a drone war over the Baltics such as in the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine or attacks with ballistic missiles on major European cities. “We must not close our eyes to this danger.”

“Slogans of the AfD and its Russian backers”

There is growing resistance to the billions in aid for Ukraine - but Merz emphasized that the support protects "the freedom and security of the people in our country." Germany will not allow itself to be divided by Russia's "hybrid attacks" or by "slogans from the AfD and its Russian backers."

Merz's comments were also echoed by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who accepted the award in Münster. In his acceptance speech, he emphasized the importance of the alliance for security and cohesion. Ukraine must continue to be supported. Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to "intimidate and challenge, but he won't succeed."

While Merz defended NATO as the winner in his speech, demonstrators gathered in Münster's city center to protest against the selection of the winner. Several groups had already criticized the fact that the military alliance was receiving the peace prize. The award ceremony was therefore accompanied by high security requirements.

The International Peace of Westphalia Prize is endowed with a total of 100,000 euros. The Economic Society for Westphalia and Lippe usually awards it every two years for commitment to maintaining peace and independence in Europe. The NATO prize money will benefit a non-profit organization in Ukraine.

Youth Prize for “socioMovens”

The youth prize was also awarded in Münster today: It went to the youth network "socioMovens - Giving Europe a Soul", which has been promoting social commitment, European understanding and a values-oriented youth culture since 2012. The spirit of a solidarity-based, peaceful Europe is conveyed in international youth camps and projects.