Jena native Dr. Barbara Albrethsen-Keck awarded Cross of Merit on Ribbon

On 25 February 2026, Dr. Barbara Albrethsen-Keck was awarded the Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany at the Thuringian State Chancellery in Erfurt. The insignia were presented to her by Thuringia's Minister President Mario Voigt on behalf of the Federal President. The award ceremony took place in the presence of Jena's mayor Benjamin Koppe, her family and long-time companions.

With this prestigious award, the Federal Republic of Germany recognizes Dr. Barbara Albrethsen-Keck's many years of outstanding commitment to the common good. For many years, she has been particularly committed to promoting cycling and sustainable mobility development. She is also heavily involved in the Jena-Saale-Holzland Community Foundation, which she chairs as Managing Chairwoman, and supports people who have had to flee their homeland and seek refuge in Jena with great personal commitment. A particularly tangible example of this is the bicycle school she initiated for refugee women, with which she has enabled more than 200 women to learn to ride a bike and thus often take an important step towards greater independence and social participation. She has put her own professional ambitions on hold in favor of her voluntary work. Her family has always supported her along the way.

Mayor Benjamin Koppe said: "Dr. Barbara Albrethsen-Keck has shown exceptional personal commitment to our city and its people over many years. She is an example of responsibility, public spirit and the firm will to actively shape our society. Her work has left a lasting mark on Jena. The fact that she has been awarded the Cross of Merit on Ribbon fills the city of Jena with pride."

The City of Jena warmly congratulates Dr. Barbara Albrethsen-Keck on this special award and thanks her for her many years of exceptional and lasting commitment to the common good and cohesion in the city's society.

Drei Menschen stehen vor Fahnen und schauen in die Kamera.

Dr. Barbara Albrethsen-Keck mit Thüringens Ministerpräsident Mario Voigt (links) und Jenas Bürgermeister Benjamin Koppe bei der Verleihung des Verdienstkreuzes am Bande in der Thüringer Staatskanzlei in Erfurt.