Timothy Garton Ash warns of threats to Europe at Princess of Asturias Awards

Historian and essayist Timothy Garton Ash has been awarded the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Social Sciences. During the ceremony held in Oviedo, Spain, Garton Ash delivered a speech warning that the progress made in Europe since 1945 is currently threatened by a series of internal and external crises.

He identified three primary challenges facing the continent: military pressure from Russia, political uncertainty regarding the transatlantic relationship with the United States, and economic and technological competition from China. Garton Ash emphasized the importance of generational renewal, noting that the future of European freedom depends on the younger generation.

Using a football metaphor, Garton Ash urged European nations to adopt a 'tiki-taka' style of cooperation—combining individual talent with sophisticated teamwork—to become 'unbeatable' in a competitive global landscape. The ceremony also featured other laureates, including Julian Barnes, Christina Koch, and Patti Smith.