Hans Magnus Enzensberger is considered one of Germany’s most acclaimed contemporary writers and analysts

German author and poet Hans Magnus Enzensberger has received the 2010 Sonning Prize, the largest cultural award in Denmark.

The prize, worth 1 million kroner, was handed over in a ceremony at the University of Copenhagen yesterday, to the recipient who the prize committee said has ‘done commendable work for the benefit of European culture’.

The committee added that Enzensberger had promoted the literary debate in both Germany and the rest of Europe.

On receiving the award yesterday, the author took the opportunity to deliver some harsh words against the European Commission and the some 15,000 lobbyists that have influence over commission decisions.

‘The commission has a monopoly-like position when it concerns legislative initiative. It deals and works out policies behind closed doors. The control from the European parliament is weak,’ he said.

The award was established by author C.J. Sonning and former winners include Sir Winston Churchill, Ingmar Bergman, Jørn Utzon and Sir Lawrence Oliver.