On Friday, February 14, 2025, the prestigious German-Polish Special Prize was awarded to Professor Rita Süssmuth during a ceremony held on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. The award was presented by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski in recognition of Süssmuth’s lifelong efforts in strengthening German-Polish reconciliation and fostering bilateral relations.
Germany’s Deutsche Polen-Institut expressed its pride in Süssmuth’s recognition, emphasizing her contributions to fostering dialogue and cooperation between the two nations. The institute’s director, Professor Dr. Peter Oliver Loew, stated, “There could not have been a more deserving recipient. For decades, Rita Süssmuth has tirelessly worked to strengthen German-Polish relations. With unparalleled empathy, she has persistently strived to shape these relations on equal footing and push them forward.” He also highlighted her tenure as President of the Deutsche Polen-Institut for 18 years and her instrumental role in advocating for a memorial dedicated to Polish victims of German occupation during World War II.
The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs also praised Süssmuth’s role in reconciliation efforts. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the ministry declared, “She has proven over the years that reconciliation, dialogue, and cooperation are not mere slogans.” The ministry further emphasized that the decision to honor her was based on her exceptional contributions to fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between Poland and Germany.
FM @radeksikorski and FM of Germany 🇩🇪 @ABaerbock presented the Polish–German Prize 🏆 to Prof. Rita Süssmuth for her outstanding efforts in fostering 🇵🇱🇩🇪 relations.
💬 For many years, she has proven that reconciliation, dialogue, and cooperation are not just empty platitudes. pic.twitter.com/xmbY8IejBB
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs 🇵🇱 (@PolandMFA) February 14, 2025
The jury of the German-Polish Prize stated that the award recognizes Süssmuth’s “great contribution to promoting reconciliation between Germany and Poland as well as to the further development of bilateral relations in a spirit of partnership.” The jury described her as “probably the most influential German alive in the area of our bilateral relations” and noted her consistent efforts over more than half a century in fostering friendship between the two nations. These efforts included her tenure as President of the German Bundestag, her leadership at the German Institute of Polish Affairs, and her role as a board member of the Genshagen Foundation.
Herzlichen Glückwunsch, liebe Rita Süssmuth! Die Aussöhnung mit Polen ist ein Glück, das wir Deutsche im Herzen tragen. Eine Ehre, Ihnen zusammen mit meinem Freund & Kollegen @sikorskiradek den deutsch-polnischen Preis für Ihr unermüdliches Engagement zu übergeben. pic.twitter.com/upWf43mCXJ
— Außenministerin Annalena Baerbock (@ABaerbock) February 14, 2025
Małgorzata Ławrowska-von Thadden, co-chair of the prize jury, highlighted Süssmuth’s pioneering role, stating, “She took a step towards Poland when many people in the Federal Republic of Germany still found it difficult.” She also lauded Süssmuth’s advocacy for the establishment of a memorial in Berlin commemorating the injustices committed by German occupiers in Poland, underscoring that “a united Europe speaks with one voice”.
The German-Polish Prize, awarded jointly by the governments of both countries, comes with a financial reward of EUR 20,000. Previous recipients include prominent figures such as Władysław Bartoszewski, a Polish politician and Auschwitz survivor who was posthumously honored in 2015.
The recognition of Süssmuth’s work was also met with congratulations from Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI). In a post on X, Mrs. Rajavi praised Süssmuth as a “symbol of commitment to universal values, human rights, and democracy for all nations.” She further commended Süssmuth’s longstanding advocacy for women’s rights and her role as the first woman to preside over the German Bundestag, calling her an “inspiration for women fighting for their rights.”
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Professor Dr. Rita Süssmuth, Former President of the German Bundestag, on receiving the 2025 German-Polish Special Award.
For people around the world, she is a symbol of unwavering commitment to the universal values of #HumanRights and… pic.twitter.com/1ujYFRrSw9— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) February 17, 2025
Mrs. Rajavi acknowledged the impact of Süssmuth’s work on Iranian dissidents and particularly on women activists in Ashraf 3, an Iranian opposition settlement in Albania. “The Iranian people, the resistance movement, and oppressed women in my country will never forget your powerful and inspiring words in defense of human and women’s rights in Iran,” Rajavi stated, wishing Süssmuth continued success in her endeavors.
The legacy of Rita Süssmuth as a champion of reconciliation, democracy, and women’s rights continues to inspire individuals and nations alike. Her unwavering commitment to fostering international understanding and advocating for justice solidifies her as a pivotal figure in shaping European cooperation and advancing global human rights.