Emmanuel Macron Honors Roland and Michael Mack for Franco-German Achievements

French President Emmanuel Macron has honored Roland and Michael Mack with France’s highest distinction. Roland Mack, founder of Europa-Park, has been named “Officier de la Légion d‘honneur”, while his son Michael Mack, managing partner of the theme park and CEO of MACK One, has received the title “Chevalier de la Légion d‘honneur”. This recognition highlights their longstanding commitment to Franco-German friendship and their contributions to business, culture, and social initiatives.

Macron’s Tribute to Decades of Dedication

The official ceremony took place on January 28, 2025, at the Élysée Palace in Paris. Macron emphasized the Mack family's exceptional dedication to strengthening ties between Germany and France. In his speech, he highlighted that Roland and Michael Mack have been working for decades to promote mutual understanding between the two nations successfully.

Roland Mack’s appointment as “Officier de la Légion d‘honneur” is a rare honor that has only been bestowed upon a select few Germans. Notable past recipients include Michael Schumacher, Marlene Dietrich, Otto Hahn, Ulrich Wickert, and Tomi Ungerer. The distinction of “Chevalier de la Légion d‘honneur” for Michael Mack further underscores his role as a bridge-builder between the two countries.

Europa-Park as a Symbol of European Unity

Europa-Park has played a pivotal role in fostering Franco-German relations. More than a quarter of its 5,250 employees come from France, and around 1.4 million French visitors travel to the park each year. Since its opening, more than 40 million guests from France have enjoyed the park’s attractions.

President Macron also recognized how Europa-Park has evolved into a truly Franco-German enterprise. This connection is reflected not only in the park’s guest demographics but also in numerous business ventures. In 2022, Michael Mack established MACK One France near Strasbourg, a dedicated innovation center designed to consolidate marketing, sales, and technological developments for the French market.

Michael Mack’s Role as Honorary Consul

Since 2018, Michael Mack has served as Honorary Consul of France for the administrative regions of Freiburg and Tübingen. His role has been instrumental in fostering cross-border cooperation, particularly in youth development and initiatives aimed at enhancing mobility, language education, and tourism between Germany and France. Several successful projects aimed at strengthening these ties were spearheaded under his leadership.

The Mack family's commitment to cross-border collaboration extends beyond business. They have also invested in the Alsace region, where they acquired a historic vineyard in Hartmannswiller. Additionally, they opened “Amitié - La Cuisine du Château”, a restaurant that serves as both a culinary and cultural symbol of Franco-German friendship.

Cultural Initiatives Strengthening Franco-German Bonds

Beyond economic collaborations, Roland and Michael Mack have been actively engaged in cultural projects that promote exchange between Germany and France. The Euro-Musique Festival, held annually at Europa-Park, unites musicians from different nations and fosters friendships through music. Similarly, the Elsass-Tag (Alsace Day) celebrates the deep-rooted connection with the neighboring French region.

Europa-Park has also provided a platform for internationally renowned artists, hosting exhibitions featuring works by Tomi Ungerer and Raymond-Emile Waydelich. These initiatives contribute significantly to a deeper mutual understanding and appreciation of each other’s cultures.

Social Responsibility and Inclusion

The Mack family's dedication extends beyond economic and cultural engagement, as they actively champion social causes and inclusion. In recent years, Europa-Park has granted over a million people free admission, including several hundred thousand guests from France, many of whom are disadvantaged or have disabilities.

French parliamentarian Brigitte Klinkert emphasized the unique role of Europa-Park as a place of lived European unity. She pointed out that the park is not only an economic powerhouse but also a meeting ground for people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and nationalities, fostering an authentic sense of European togetherness.

A Commitment to the Future

For Roland and Michael Mack, receiving the Légion d'honneur is both an honor and a responsibility for the future.

Roland Mack stated:
"We see these distinctions as both an obligation and an incentive to continue dedicating ourselves fully to preserving and strengthening this essential partnership. It is our deep conviction to uphold the Franco-German friendship and the European spirit through our work and carry it into the future."

Michael Mack added:
"Franco-German friendship is a foundation of stability and trust. Europe needs a clear vision for the future, and our border region offers numerous opportunities to develop it. Receiving the title of 'Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur' fills me with pride and motivates me to intensify our efforts in cross-border cooperation even further."

An Award of Great Symbolism

The Légion d'honneur awarded to Roland and Michael Mack highlights Europa-Park’s crucial role as a cultural, economic, and social link between Germany and France. The distinction from President Emmanuel Macron is a recognition not only of their contributions to the theme park industry but also of their unwavering dedication to strengthening European unity.

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