Former Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel Awarded Germany's Federal Cross of Merit

Former German Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel has been awarded the Federal Cross of Merit by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The prestigious award recognizes Gabriel's significant contributions to German-American relations and his efforts to maintain dialogue between the two nations.

President Steinmeier specifically praised Gabriel's work as chairman of the Atlantik-Brücke (Atlantic Bridge), an organization that promotes transatlantic understanding. He emphasized the critical importance of this role, especially at a time when the U.S. administration appears to be turning away from Europe and the post-war order that the U.S. itself helped shape. Steinmeier stated that Gabriel's work is more vital than ever in navigating these challenging diplomatic waters.

Gabriel, a prominent figure in the Social Democratic Party (SPD), has a long political career. He served as Minister-President of Lower Saxony from 1999 to 2003 and held federal ministerial positions in environmental protection, economics, and foreign affairs. Between 2013 and 2018, he was Vice Chancellor under Angela Merkel and led the SPD from 2009 to 2017.

Alongside Gabriel, former Federal Justice Minister Sabine Leutheusser-Schnarrenberger (FDP) was also honored for her commitment to freedom, the rule of law, and her fight against antisemitism. Maria Böhmer, President of the German Commission for UNESCO and former Minister of State in the Foreign Office, received the award for her dedication to supporting migrants and her engagement in foreign cultural and educational policy. In total, five former politicians were recognized for their international political engagement.

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Just now, when the US government is turning away from Europe, from the European post-war order that the USA has shaped so decisively, this work – I am convinced – is more important than ever.