Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel received the Order of the Legion of Honour at the French Residence in Berlin at the beginning of June: This honour strengthens my commitment to Franco-German friendship and a strong, united Europe, said Nagel. 

François Villeroy de Galhau, Honorary Governor of the Banque de France, presented him with the insignia of Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour in recognition of his commitment to Franco-German cooperation and the process of European integration.

Joint initiatives for an integrated and competitive Europe 

According to the laudation, “this award honours a great European who is strongly dedicated to Franco-German friendship and whose work actively contributes to the consolidation of the European project.”

Receiving the rank of Knight of the Legion of Honour fills me with intense gratitude and deep joy, Mr Nagel said. Since being appointed President of the Bundesbank, he has been in close contact with his former French counterpart. The joint aim of their initiatives was to encourage integration with regard to the capital markets union and the strengthening of Europe’s competitiveness.

The “Légion d’Honneur” – France’s highest honour

Mr Nagel underlined the fact that the partnership between the Bundesbank and the Banque de France had proved particularly successful when facing major European and global challenges.

The Legion of Honour is France’s highest honour and recognises exceptional service to the country. The order was founded in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte. Among the first Germans to be admitted was Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.