In memory of Franz Josef Strauss' political life's work, the Hanns Seidel Foundation grants an award named after him – the Franz Josef Strauss Award.

With it, appreciation is shown for extraordinary efforts in the fields of politics, economy, arts and culture. The award is granted especially to personalities who stood up for peace, freedom and justice, for democracy and international communication in an exceptional way or who attained special achievements in the fields of economy, science and technology as well as literature and arts.

The Prime Minister of Luxembourg Jean-Claude Juncker accepted the award at a festive ceremony on September 5, 2008 in the Residenz, the former royal residence, in Munich. He is the seventh holder of the coveted award. The speech was held by CSU Party Chairman Erwin Huber, the tribute by the former Minister President Dr. Edmund Stoiber.