Peace prize winner Karl Schlögel: Europe needs a free Ukraine

Frankfurt am Main – German historian and Eastern Europe expert Karl Schlögel has been awarded the prestigious Peace Prize of the German Book Trade for 2025. In a powerful statement to Deutsche Welle, Schlögel emphasized that defending Ukraine’s sovereignty is not just a regional concern — it’s a moral and strategic imperative for all of Europe.

🏆 Honoring a Voice of Conscience
The Peace Prize, awarded annually at the Frankfurt Book Fair, recognizes individuals who contribute to peace through literature, scholarship, and public engagement. Schlögel was honored for his decades-long work chronicling the cultural and political landscapes of Eastern Europe, especially his deep engagement with Ukraine’s historical and contemporary struggles.

📚 A Scholar of Memory and Resistance
Schlögel’s body of work blends empirical historiography with personal experience. He is known for exploring the cities and social transformations of Central and Eastern Europe, often acting as what the jury called a “seismograph of social change.” His recent visit to Lviv, Ukraine, left a lasting impression — including time spent in an air-raid shelter during a Russian attack.

🛡️ A Call for Action
Schlögel’s remarks come amid growing debate within the EU about continued military aid to Ukraine. His voice adds moral weight to the argument that Europe’s peace and stability are intertwined with Ukraine’s freedom.
The Peace Prize jury echoed this sentiment, stating:

🎓 Ceremony and Legacy
The award ceremony will take place on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at the Church of St. Paul in Frankfurt, and will be broadcast live on ZDF. The event marks the culmination of the Frankfurt Book Fair and is expected to draw global attention.