Jean-Claude Juncker

Jean-Claude Juncker is one of Europe’s most influential politicians and is considered the architect of the euro. The long-standing Prime Minister of Luxembourg (1995-2013) and President of the European Commission (2014-2019) has played a key role in shaping European integration over the decades – as Finance Minister, President of the Eurogroup and mediator at the highest level. Juncker is known for his diplomatic skills and his ability to find viable compromises even in the most difficult negotiations – such as in the trade talks with US President Trump in 2018. He has received numerous awards for his tireless efforts, including the International Charlemagne Prize in 2006. At the award ceremony, former German Chancellor Kohl praised him as an optimist who never doubted the European cause.