The Kiel Institute for the World Economy announces the winners of the 2026 Global Economy Prize.

This year’s award will go to Martin Wolf and Sabine Weyand. The Kiel Institute for the World Economy, the City of Kiel, and the Schleswig-Holstein Chamber of Industry and Commerce announced this year’s prize recipients today. The prize honors individuals who have engaged in an outstanding way with the challenges of economic and political integration as well as the future of open societies.

On the tenth anniversary of the Brexit referendum, this year’s award recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions in addressing the challenges of economic and political integration, the dangers of populism, and the future of open societies:

• Sabine Weyand: Director-General for Trade and Economic Security at the European Commission until May 2026, now Special Adviser for European Strategic Partnerships.
• Martin Wolf: Chief Economics Commentator at the Financial Times.

The award ceremony will occur during Kiel Week on June 22, 2026, at the Hotel Kieler Kaufmann, with both recipients expected to attend.

Prof. Dr. Moritz Schularick, President of the Kiel Institute, praised Weyand for her role in strengthening Europe’s negotiating capabilities and Wolf for his contributions to understanding economic and political upheavals globally.

More information about the prize and about the winners can be found in the Kiel Institute press release.

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