Apostolos Tzitzikostas

• former President of the European Committee of the Regions
• Patron of the Emperor-Maximilian-Prize 2021

Our European House of Democracy has strong pillars – the Member States – and a protective roof – the European Union. But no matter how strong the pillars and the roof are, no house can stand without solid foundations. The EU's foundations are its regions, cities and villages. They are vital for a resilient, sustainable and prosperous Europe.

Stefano Bonaccini

• former President of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions
• Patron of the Emperor-Maximilian-Prize 2021

Today we are facing a crisis of exceptional proportions that requires us to reconsider the way we conceive Europe. With the help of our youth, we must act as quickly as possible to build a fairer society which will be more local, more sustainable, more inclusive and that leaves no one behind. With these projects and initiatives presented at the Maximilian Prize, we are taking the first step for this future.

Leo Kaserer

• Chairman of CUBIC

The Emperor-Maximilian-Prize has been a very positive experience for the Cubic association and its partner, the Tyrolean Chamber of Labour, as well as for the EU program "European Solidarity Corps" and our initiative TAILWIND. On the one hand, because the reporting made the TAILWIND project known to an even broader section of the population and on the other, because Europe and inclusion are mentioned in one context! The prize money awarded not only offers to more young Tyroleans the possibility of participating in TAILWIND, but also gives our association the opportunity to point out the positive effects of TAILWIND for young people and the society as a whole! The Emperor Maximilian Prize is thus a valuable contribution to the commitment of civil society!

Erwin Zangerl

• President of the Chamber of Labor, Tyrol

Municipalities and regions form the basis of today’s united Europe. People emerging from these entities have the will to solve problems and shape our future with their ideas and visions. The Emperor-Maximilian-Prize is both incentive and recognition for all these people with their diverse projects and initiatives, and also points out the great achievements at regional and municipal levels which enhance cross-border coexistence.

DDr. Herwig van Staa

• Former Tyrolean Governor
• Co-founder of the Emperor-Maximilian-Prize

Since 1997, the federal province of Tyrol, a European region with legislative powers, and the European City of Innsbruck, have been - based on a decision of an international jury - annually awarding the Emperor Maximilian Prize for special achievements in the field of European local and regional politics.

The annual award of this prize, especially to outstanding European politicians, has made a significant contribution towards the consolidation of the status of municipalities and regions in the structure of European policy.

The major European institutions, such as the Council of European Municipalities and Regions, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities and the European Committee of the Regions have always encouraged these efforts, and valuated the awarding of the Prize as a recognition of these efforts.

In light of considerable international problems in the areas of economic and financial policy, peace policy and climate and social policy, the indispensable involvement of municipalities and regions in solving these problems must be pointed out again and again, whereby the awarding of the Emperor-Maximilian-Prize can make a small but important contribution.

Gunn Marit Helgesen

• President of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions
• Patron of the Emperor-Maximilian-Prize 2023

Europe’s power stems from its youth, our future is in the hands of our European younger generations, and it is our duty to save no effort in empowering them, and equipping them with all the tools to strengthen their innovation and creativity capabilities. We need to invest in future-proof generations, for a stronger and more resilient Europe.