Osnabrück Honors Former Latvian President Egils Levits

Osnabrück welcomed Egils Levits, former President of Latvia, on October 3rd, 2022. Levits inscribed himself in the city's prestigious Golden Book, joining notable figures like Angela Merkel. The ceremony, held in the historic Peace Hall, marked a significant moment in the city's history and sent a strong signal of solidarity between Osnabrück and Latvia.

Levits, born in Riga in 1955, grew up in the Soviet Union before emigrating to Germany in 1972. His journey culminated in his presidency of Latvia from 2019 to 2023. Pötter, the Mayor of Osnabrück, praised Levits as 'a statesman who has particularly committed himself to democracy, freedom, and the defense capability of Europe'.

The ceremony highlighted the close historical ties between Latvia and Germany. Pötter emphasized the 'Baltic Way' of 1989, which served as a model for the peaceful revolution in the GDR. Levits, in turn, thanked the city for the invitation and acknowledged its role in preserving the standards of modern international law. After the ceremony, Levits delivered a keynote speech at the Osnabrück Peace Talks, titled 'The Future of the European Union in Times of Geopolitical Change'.

Levits' visit and speech underscored the importance of unity and solidarity in the face of geopolitical tension. Pötter stressed that 'Peace requires not only peacefulness, but also strength', emphasizing the city's responsibility to uphold the standards set by the Peace of Westphalia. With Levits' signature in the Golden Book, Osnabrück continues to honor notable figures who embody the city's commitment to peace and international cooperation.