“The values and principles of democracy and European unity are the basis of the Union and the most important connecting element for the member states. They are the essence of our continent, as well as the source of the prosperity, security and stability of our societies. For this reason, the Charlemagne Prize has a very special meaning for Romania today and for the citizens of Romania who have long struggled to be part of the European project and who firmly believe in the democratic values that are representative and constitutive of the European Union.”