Pascal Lamy, born in 1947, receives the prize as one of the greatest European fighters in support of fair globalization. Lamy is known since some time for his outstanding sensitivity towards culture and great social responsibility – as politician, EU commissioner for foreign trade, and since four years, topmost guardian of world trade.

Jacques Barrot, Vice President of the European Commission, honored Pascal Lamy with a laudatory speech. The 50,000 Euro prize, endowed by the Hans Ringier Foundation, was handed over in the framework of the «Dîner républicain» in the Castello del Sole in Ascona (Switzerland). Also handed over was a portrait of Lamy created by the German artist David Barbarino.

Jury members were the former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, Publisher Michael Ringier; Swiss author Adolf Muschg and the Manager, Utz Claassen, as well as Jury President Frank A. Meyer.

The «Dîner républicain» took place for the 34th time on invitation of the Swiss Journalist, Frank A. Meyer at the same time as Locarno’s International Film Festival. Amongst others, guests attending the prize award were Swiss Finance Minister Hans-Rudolf Merz, Swiss Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey and President of the Swiss Federal Council, Pascal Couchepan.

The European prize was awarded for the fourth time this year – in 2008 it was presented to Philosopher Jürgen Habermas, in 2007 to the Serbian President, Boris Tadi?, and in 2006 awarded to the Luxembourg Prime Minister, Jean-Claude Juncker.

Hans Ringier Foundation