Merz, Wüst, and Rutte Demonstrate Strength Vis-à-Vis Russia
Münster, October 1, 2026 – NATO and the international youth movement socioMovens were awarded the International Peace of Westphalia Prize 2026 this Thursday at the Historic Town Hall in Münster. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte accepted the award on behalf of the Alliance. Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivered the laudatory speech. He subsequently presented the award statuette together with Dr. Reinhard Zinkann, Chairman of the Board of the organizing Economic Society for Westphalia and Lippe (WWL). The youth prize went to socioMovens in recognition of its commitment to fostering encounters, social responsibility, and European cohesion. The laudatory speech was delivered by Cardinal Michael Czerny, the Holy See’s official for migration issues.
The prize, awarded by the WWL, carries a total value of 100,000 euros, with the two recipients each receiving half. The award honors NATO as a stabilizing and reliable partner in a time of global uncertainty. It highlights the shared responsibility of democratic states, adherence to rules, and the ability to strengthen partnerships across borders. NATO’s share of the prize money will benefit a charitable organization in Ukraine.
Mark Rutte accepts award for NATO
In his opening address at the ceremony in the "City of Peace, Münster," North Rhine-Westphalia’s Minister-President Hendrik Wüst emphasized that lasting peace requires diplomatic persistence, credible defense capabilities, and trust between states and societies.
"Peace and security in Europe are once again under great pressure. From the outside—as we have known since Russia’s attack on Ukraine, which violated international law—but also from within. Populists and extremists are attacking the values upon which our peaceful Europe stands," said Wüst. Following the opening, the program began with a tribute to socioMovens. Chancellor Friedrich Merz then delivered the laudatory speech honoring NATO. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte accepted the award in person.
In his speech, Chancellor Merz drew a connection between the Peace of Westphalia and NATO’s role today. "To this day, NATO is, above all else, an alliance of freedom. It stands in the tradition of Münster and Osnabrück. It protects our security and our prosperity. It serves the cause of peace," said Merz.
"Peace is more than the absence of war." At the same time, the Chancellor emphasized the growing responsibility of Europe and Germany within the transatlantic alliance. "Germany is willing, capable, and ready to shoulder greater responsibility within a renewed alliance. It is doing its part to make NATO more European so that it remains transatlantic," Merz explained.
Merz also spoke plainly regarding the war in Ukraine, addressing the Russian leadership. He noted that Russia is violating the fundamental rules of international law and the European order in Ukraine with extreme brutality. "We intend to uphold and protect unity, justice, and freedom—even in the face of a Russian policy that fears and despises these values and attacks them with ever-increasing recklessness."
"We will certainly not be intimidated by cyberattacks, drones, or online propaganda. We are preparing for further hybrid attacks, including severe ones. Should they occur, we would respond quickly and very clearly, just as we did after Leipzig," Merz added. In his acceptance speech, Mark Rutte underscored the alliance's importance for the security and cohesion of its member states over the past 75-plus years. In this context, NATO stands not only for military capabilities but also for the political promise that democratic states stand up for one another and that no member has to face an aggressor alone.
"My message is this: We must carry on and support Ukraine. We are well-positioned to defend every single inch of territory. Putin wants to intimidate and provoke, but he will not succeed," said Rutte.
The alliance stands by its partners—steadfast as a Westphalian horse—with strength, speed, and endurance. It is a matter of NATO’s essential capabilities, which include the teamwork of all member states.
"An attack on one is an attack on all, and I am counting on German steadfastness," Rutte declared to the more than 400 guests.
Youth Award for socioMovens – Giving Europe a Soul
Since 2012, this international youth network—with roots in Central and Eastern Europe—has been bringing together young people from various European countries. Through social project weeks, educational programs, and gatherings, socioMovens combines engagement with societal challenges with practical action.
In his laudatory speech, Cardinal Michael Czerny highlighted the importance of encounter, education, and social responsibility for peace. "Europe needs moral guidance. Europe needs its soul."
Honoring socioMovens serves as a sign of hope and recognition for a young generation that is taking responsibility, overcoming prejudices, and building bridges between communities and peoples.
Peace Requires Dialogue, Rules, and the Capacity for Defense
In his closing remarks, Dr. Reinhard Zinkann, Chairman of the Board of the WWL, placed the two awards within the historical context of the Peace of Westphalia of 1648. He noted that, 378 years after the peace agreements of Münster and Osnabrück, peace must be understood as a shared task—one involving politics, business, society, and every generation.
Zinkann pointed to the tensions that shape political and social action today: the desire for peace and the necessity of protecting it. NATO represents the promise that democratic states stand up for one another and organize security collectively.
At the same time, the youth prize serves as a reminder that alliances and treaties alone are not enough: peace is something lived out by people. Zinkann addressed the young people in the hall with this appeal: “Do not view Europe as something finished. Do not view peace as something handed down to you by previous generations that will simply endure on its own. Make it your own mission.”
“Peace requires dialogue. Peace requires rules. Peace requires economic strength. Peace requires the capacity for defense. And peace requires people willing to take responsibility for it,” Zinkann said, summarizing the message of the ceremony. “Peace needs those who protect it. And peace needs those who live it.”
