Panel Discussion at the Charlemagne Prize Ceremony in Aachen on April 23, 2026

Dabei sein ist alles? – Verbindet der Sport Europa?

Do recreational and competitive sports promote European integration and mutual understanding? In the wake of the Winter Olympics in Italy, ahead of the FIFA World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, and the World Equestrian Games in Aachen, this topic is taking center stage. Major sporting events have been and continue to be used time and again as a political stage to overcome conflicts between nations or to polish up a country’s image. Does sport foster mutual understanding, or do increasing commercialization and, in some cases, problematic fan behavior hinder this process?

Guests

  • Michael Mronz, IOC-member
  • Almuth Schult, Olympic soccer champion
  • Frank Busemann, Silver medalist in the decathlon at the 1996 Olympics
  • Rica Reinisch, three-time Olympic swimming champion
  • Prof. Jürgen Mittag, German Sport University
  • Host: Carina Dilg, ARD Sportschau reporter at the 2026 Winter Olympics

Free entrance  | register here https://karlspreis.events

Event organised by: Internationaler Karlspreis, Stadt Aachen

The event is part of the official program of events surrounding the 2026 Charlemagne Prize ceremony honoring former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi.

Source of text and image: www.karlspreis.de/de/veranstaltungen/rahmenprogramm

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