On July 19th, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, was awarded the Peace Prize in the Representation of the State of Hesse in Brussels. With the prize the board of trustees honored Federica Mogherini for her commitment to the nuclear deal with Iran.The statement from the certificate: “Mrs. Federica Mogherini is honored with the Hessian Peace Prize for her commitment to the resolution of the conflict concerning the Iranian nuclear program and thereby her contribution rendered to securing peace. Under Mrs. Mogherini’s leadership the breakthrough in the conflict over Iran’s nuclear program that had been ongoing for twelve years could be achieved. The significance of the Action Plan for peace and stability in the region and beyond cannot be emphasized enough. It was because of the negotiation success  that a “military solution” to the nuclear conflict threatened by both USA and Israel – with unforeseeable consequences for the region - could be prevented. Ultimately, the success in negotiations prove that diplomacy still fits as a suitable instrument for conflict resolution. Mrs. Mogherini achieved a tour de force by assuming the role of EU coordinator and “honest broker” at the same time and therefore leading the negotiations towards a qualified and effective conclusion.The mediatory role of Frederica Mogherini during the final stage  of negotiations was  emphasized by attendees.

In addition to her achievements in stabilizing peace the presentation of the Peace Prize highlights Mrs. Mogherini’s accomplishments with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy. It is so far the greatest triumph of the EU on the global political stage. Mrs. Mogherini is not only appreciated by the international community because of her office, but for her crucial contribution to peace in 2015. For her extraordinary negotiating skills and her relentless dedication to peace the board of trustees of the Hessian Peace Prize has awarded Frederica Mogherini with the Hessian Peace Prize 2016.”