On 12 June, Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel will be awarded the National Order of the Legion of Honour. At a ceremony to be held at the French Residence in Berlin, he will be presented with the insignia of Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour. Prior to this, Nagel will join Honorary Governor of the Banque de France, François Villeroy de Galhau, for a podium discussion on “Europe and Franco-German relations”, moderated by Le Monde journalist Cécile Boutelet. 

The awarding of the Legion of Honour to Joachim Nagel recognises his commitment to Franco-German cooperation. It is a symbol of the vibrant partnership between Germany and France and of the importance of shared values and cooperation in Europe.

Légion d’Honneur – France’s highest honour

The Légion d’Honneur is France’s highest honour and recognises exceptional service to the country and its values. The Legion of Honour is awarded to people who have rendered outstanding service to France or to the ideals of the Republic, irrespective of nationality or social status. 

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe among first Germans to receive the Legion of Honour

The order was founded on 19 May 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte and is awarded in recognition of military and civilian merit. Among the first Germans to be admitted to the Legion of Honour was Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Napoleon personally pinned the insignia of Knight of the Legion of Honour on his chest in 1808.