The Chief Prosecutor of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, Laura Codruța Kovesi, has been awarded the Leipzig Robert Blum Prize for Democracy, a distinction given for her contribution to defending the rule of law and combating financial crime. The EPPO chief announced that she will donate the prize money to Ukraine as a gesture of solidarity with those who defend Europe’s democratic values.
The announcement was made by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) on the institution’s official social media accounts.
Award for defending judicial independence
The distinction was awarded to Laura Codruța Kovesi for "supporting judicial independence, combating financial crime, and her resolute action in building European rule of law institutions," according to the European Public Prosecutor's Office.
The award ceremony took place on Tuesday at the Old Town Hall in Leipzig, Germany. Among those present were Frans Timmermans, former Vice President of the European Commission, who delivered a laudatory speech, and Stefanie Hubig, the Federal Minister of Justice of Germany.
Kovesi: Democracy cannot be taken for granted
Laura Codruța Kovesi stated that she is honored to receive the award named after Robert Blum, whom she described as "a symbol of courage and civic responsibility."
"It is an honor to receive the Leipzig Robert Blum Prize for Democracy, which I accept with a strong sense of responsibility and with a simple truth in mind: democracy cannot be considered guaranteed. Today, it is openly under attack even in the European Union. The key question is: what do we do about it? We have a collective, but also individual responsibility," stated the European Chief Prosecutor.
Donation for Ukraine
The EPPO chief announced that she will donate the prize money to Ukraine, "as a sign of solidarity with those who are defending the democratic values of Europe today."
She emphasized that the rule of law is directly dependent on judicial independence.
"Democracy weakens when justice is perceived as being subordinate to authorities, and not in the service of citizens. For me, the rule of law is the safest guarantee of security and trust, as it makes justice tangible and equality before the law effective. And the best defense of the rule of law is determination in law enforcement and integrity," stated Laura Codruța Kovesi.
The award named after a symbol of European democracy
The Leipzig Robert Blum Prize for Democracy honors the legacy of Robert Blum, one of the prominent figures of the 1848–1849 Revolution.
The distinction rewards personalities or initiatives that promote democracy, freedom of expression, nonviolent change, and civic dialogue in Germany, Europe, and the world.