Brussels, 20/12/2004 (Agence Europe) - In Aix-la-Chapelle on 5 May 2005, Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, the Italian President, will be awarded the prestigious Charlemagne Prize as recognition of his exceptional lifelong contribution to the European cause. President Ciampi has always devoted all his political activity to progressing the European cause, and following in the best tradition of other prize-winners like Alcide De Gasperi and Emilio Colombo, he represents a tolerant Italy of values, a founder member and pillar of the EU, commented the Charlemagne Prize Committee when it announced the news. It added that President Ciampi symbolises fundamental European values, opening to the outside world, and secularism. Carlo Azeglio Ciampi favours dialogue among civilisations and co-operation with the Arab world. Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera notes that in a telephone conversation with Jurgen Linden, a member of the Charlemagne Prize Committee, Ciampi said he was moved and proud to be awarded the prize because a united Europe was one of his greatest childhood dreams.