On 30th of November 2023, the ceremony of the 17th edition of the European Book Prize has been organised in the European Parliament. Robert MENASSE, Austrian writer of "Die Erweiterung" (talking about European Enlargement) receives the award in presence of Marc ANGEL (S&D, LU), Vice-President of EP; Pascal LAMY, former European Commissioner for Trade, and Giuliano de Empoli, President of the Jury. Statements by the laureate and extracts from the ceremony.

Brussels

statement

ceremony

European Book Prize (T)

ANGEL, Marc (S&D, LU)

European book prize 2023: statement by the laureate and extracts from the ceremony (30/11)

https://api.multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/documents/20125/73789951/1702046774300_I249761Chapters%5BSD-EN%5D.srt

SOUNDBITE (English), Robert MENASSE, European Book Prize 2023 laureate, In this specific case of my last novel, I tell the hopes of the people who are living outside of the European Union but want to become a member. And on the other side, the deceptions of the people which are living in countries state that are members. So this contradiction is very interesting. And if the biographies are crossing, then you will see a certain dynamic and a certain kind of multiple destinies. This is what I try to tell, how do we live in the beginning of the 21st century in Europe.

SOUNDBITE (English), Robert MENASSE, European Book Prize 2023 laureate, I guess it is necessary to understand that the European idea is brilliant. The European values based on the Charter of Human Rights is necessary for the future of mankind. But it is, at the same time necessary to understand that we live in enormous hypocrisy. We have to criticise a lot. We must not describe European life as a beautiful paradise. It is not, in social meanings. It's even less in political meanings.

SOUNDBITE (English), Robert MENASSE, European Book Prize 2023 laureate, So criticise the union. Is the true love for the Union but criticise the union based on the idea of the founding generation of this project.

Shots of the interior of the Ceremony room. Musician playing the bass (3 shots)

SOUNDBITE (French), Marc ANGEL (S&amp;D, LU), Vice-President of EP, Robert Menasse's novel has a particular meaning. Indeed, it reminds us that enlargement is not only the result of state will or geopolitical necessity, but also represents historical and cultural evidence.

SOUNDBITE (French), Marc ANGEL (S&amp;D, LU), Vice-President of EP, By highlighting the stages and complexities of joining the European Union, this book allows us to better understand Europe. Once again, using literature as a vehicle for debate and learning about our European societies is the very mission and the primary mission of this prize awarded today. 

SOUNDBITE (French), Marc ANGEL (S&amp;D, LU), Vice-President of EP,On behalf of the President of the European Parliament. I would like to warmly congratulate Mr Robert M&eacute;nard on this award and thank him for his strong and constant commitment to our European project.

SOUNDBITE (French), Trade, and Giuliano de Empoli, President of the Jury, I am pleased to announce. To declare Robert M&eacute;nard, winner of the 17th European Book Prize for Enlargement, published by Verdier in French.

Robert MENASSE collects the prize (3 shots)

<p>SOUNDBITE (German), Robert MENASSE, European Book Prize 2023 laureate, European biographies. I see the people I'm talking about as Europeans. Quite simply because decisions are also made in this House, which then have an impact on the lives of these people as a state of law, as the production of conditions for our quest for happiness and our failure. We only have European biographies left, as long as we have a European Parliament. And I'm telling them. And hope for the best. Thank you.</p>