TAE Prize awarded to Mario Monti, Prime Minister of Italy

The European Taxpayers’ Award, which will be presented for the thirteenth time by the European Taxpayers’ Association in Brussels on 27 June 2012, goes to Mario Monti, the Italian Prime Minister.

Mario Monti is being honoured for his long-standing political and personal commitment to Europe. “It is precisely in times of crisis that we need leaders like Mario Monti – leaders who are prepared to take unpopular measures and introduce reforms in their countries with strict discipline in order to get budgets that have run into financial difficulties back on track,” said Rolf von Hohenhau, President of the European Taxpayers’ Association. At the same time, Mario Monti succeeded in building the trust necessary for his reform proposals. Despite all the obstacles, he initiated reforms in Italy in the areas of labour, healthcare, pensions, public administration, the budget and taxation, and is endeavouring to avoid additional taxes through austerity measures. “Europe and the euro need a strong Italy. Monti is committed with great dedication to implementing his reforms,” said the President of the European Taxpayers’ Association.

The award ceremony will take place on 27 June 2012 at 6.00 pm at the Representation of the Free State of Bavaria to the EU, Rue Wiertz 77, 1000 Brussels. Franz Josef Pschierer, State Secretary at the Bavarian Ministry of Finance, will open the event. The welcome address will be delivered by Rolf von Hohenhau, President of the European Taxpayers’ Association, followed by a laudatory speech by Jean-Claude Juncker, Prime Minister of Luxembourg. Following the award ceremony, the award winner, Mario Monti, will address those present.

A reception will take place at the Bavarian Representation in Brussels after the ceremony.

The award ceremony is being organised in collaboration with the European Economic Senate (EES).