Yann Leriche distinguishes Joachim Neumann as a great figure of Eurotunnel and declares him “Honorary Citizen” of the Channel Tunnel and hero of freedom
On 31 July 2025, Getlink welcomed Joachim Neumann to its Eurotunnel terminals in Folkestone and Coquelles.
A civil engineer, Joachim Neumann participated in the Channel Tunnel adventure as an expert consultant for TML (TransManche Link), the consortium created for the construction period between 1985 and 1993.
Beyond his professional link with what he recognises as the most significant experience of his career, Joachim is also a figure who has marked the great European history.
From one tunnel to another…
In 1961, as a young civil engineering student in Berlin, he witnessed the division of his city into two distinct zones, soon to be closed off militarily from each other. As the Berlin Wall became a reality, Joachim Neumann decided to fight this reality in a concrete way. To allow his friends to pass from East to West, he successively built six escape tunnels under the Berlin Wall. This exceptional act of courage, boldness and tenacity opened a path to freedom for 89 people. This chapter of his life was highlighted on 24 June during the 2025 edition of Getlink’s Leadership Seminar, receiving a very strong response from the Group’s Top 300 executives. His motto “Never Give Up”, illustrating the months of intense work during which, with his friends, he dug tirelessly under the Berlin Wall, became viral within the Group!
During his visit, Mr Neumann was able to rediscover the Tunnel’s facilities and talk with the teams. This memorable moment was also marked by the inauguration of two commemorative plaques, soon to be placed in Coquelles and Folkestone, bearing the imprint of his hands – a symbolic gesture for the person whom Getlink has named “Citizen of the Channel Tunnel”.
Joachim Neumann and Yann Leriche in the Tunnel of Service
“Never Give Up!”
Yann Leriche, Getlink CEO, welcomed this visit: “Joachim Neumann reminds us that what may seem unachievable becomes possible thanks to human courage and the strength of connection. His story, like that of the Channel Tunnel, is a living testimony of what we can accomplish together.”
In tribute to his journey, the annual race trophy organised for employees on the Eurotunnel terminal will now bear his name: the Joachim Neumann Trophy. A way to pass on to future generations the spirit of surpassing oneself and cooperation that drives Getlink.
This visit was not only a return to the past, it is also a source of inspiration for the future: a call to continue building bridges – human, technical and cultural – between territories and individuals, and above all an encouragement to never give up.
