[2] The original sculpture award for the "Goldene Europa" from 1968 is the work of sculptor Herbert Strässer.
The award was originally designed with the aim of launching the careers of German artists and producers with their music facing strong competition from the United States and United Kingdom.
Therefore, in the early years only German-language hits were awarded.
From 1979, the leadership decided to allow foreign artists to win the Goldene Europa reward.
In later years, the Goldene Europa was also awarded in other areas such as comedy, entertainment, politics, sports or drama.