Global Economy Prize 2025 awarded to Landsbergis, Huby, and Schnitzer

The following individuals were honored for their outstanding achievements as forward-thinking leaders of an open, market-based, and socially responsible society:

• Gabrielius Landsbergis, former Foreign Minister of the Republic of Lithuania; Category: Politics.
• Hélène Huby, co-founder and CEO of The Exploration Company, Munich; Category: Business.
• Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Monika Schnitzer, Chair of the German Council of Economic Experts and Professor at LMU Munich; Category: Economics.

Claus Ruhe Madsen, Minister of Economic Affairs of Schleswig-Holstein; Knud Hansen, Vice President of the Schleswig-Holstein Chamber of Industry and Commerce and President of the Kiel Chamber of Industry and Commerce; Kiel’s Lord Mayor Dr. Ulf Kämpfer; and Prof. Moritz Schularick, President of the Kiel Institute, welcomed the approximately 150 guests.

Prof. Dr. Moritz Schularick, President of the Kiel Institute for the World Economy:

“In a world where old certainties are crumbling, global alliances are shifting, and once-assured futures are up for renegotiation, the 2025 laureates of the Global Economy Prize demonstrate what courage to embrace change truly means: that it is worth starting anew—with conviction, with ideas, and with perseverance. And that we must never tire of standing up for facts, openness, and viable solutions. Hélène Huby took the risk of leaving behind a secure and well-paid position to pursue her dream of creating a democratic European counterbalance to the dominant US space industry. Gabrielius Landsbergis, with conviction and persistence, called for a stronger European military deterrent against Russia even before the attack on Ukraine. Monika Schnitzer has never accepted the status quo throughout her academic career and has continually enriched empirical microeconomics in Germany through innovative ideas. Their work stands as a testament to the power of shaping the world—even, and especially, in uncertain times.”

Claus Ruhe Madsen, Minister of Economic Affairs of Schleswig-Holstein:

“Now more than ever—at a time of historic transformation—we need the courage to embrace change in order to solve pressing problems and meet current challenges. This year’s awardees have shown that bold, forward-thinking pays off—whether by reaching for the stars, by voicing difficult truths early on, or by introducing new ideas and methods in innovative ways. These are the qualities we need to overcome resistance to change. Policymakers must engage with the concerns of those affected by change, while also communicating openly and highlighting the broader benefits of change for society as a whole. That’s how we build trust and ease fear.”

Dr. Ulf Kämpfer, Lord Mayor of Kiel:

“Kiel Week is about community spirit and the feeling of coming home. At the same time, our major sailing and summer festival continually demonstrates our willingness to embrace change. This year’s award theme, ‘Courage for Change’, fits not only with the current moment but also perfectly with the spirit of Kiel Week. By honoring Gabrielius Landsbergis, Hélène Huby, and Prof. Dr. Monika Schnitzer, we highlight the importance of openness, dialogue, and civic engagement in our society. The Global Economy Prize remains a key social and political highlight of our festival week.”

Knud Hansen, President of the Kiel Chamber of Industry and Commerce and Vice President of the Schleswig-Holstein Chamber of Industry and Commerce:

“What unites these three visionary thinkers is their unwavering belief in the power of free markets, their passion for international cooperation—whether within Europe or globally—and their commitment to economic policies that are both competitive and responsible. This freedom to think boldly is one of the greatest achievements of our democracy—and it is its foundation. Once we agree on that, the next step is to ensure that bold entrepreneurs are supported by the right framework to develop solutions for the challenges of our time. That should be the focus of our state. Europe must not stifle its dynamic forces through excessive regulation but instead place its trust in the power of problem-solving, openness, and autonomy.”

The Global Economy Prize is an initiative of the Kiel Institute, awarded annually in close cooperation with the City of Kiel and the Schleswig-Holstein Chamber of Industry and Commerce. The non-monetary award is intended to encourage creative approaches to addressing major global economic challenges.

The prize honors influential figures from politics, business, and economics who have made a special contribution to a socially responsible society based on individual initiative.