Prizes 

The European Parliament doesn’t only legislate. It also likes to promote what is good. Every year it issues four prizes in recognition of excellence in human rights, cinema, youth projects and good citizenship. It is an opportunity to put the spotlight on those people and organisations who work hard to make our world a little better and encourage others to follow their example.

  • European Charlemagne Youth Prize - for all very motivated young Europeans 

    The European Charlemagne Youth Prize is awarded to youth-run projects that promote European and international understanding. The award highlights the daily work by young people across Europe to strengthen European democracy and supports their active participation in writing the future of Europe.

    Awarded jointly and annually by the European Parliament and the Foundation of the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen, the prize for the best project is €7500, the second, €5000 and the third, €2500. As part of the prize, the three final laureates visit the European Parliament (in Brussels or in Strasbourg). The representatives of all the 27 national projects selected are invited to a four-day trip in Aachen, Germany.

    Are you an EU resident aged 16-30 and working on a project that helps to change Europe? Then you could be the next winner of the European Charlemagne Youth Prize!


      
  • European Citizen's Prize 

    The European Citizen’s Prize recognises initiatives that contribute to European cooperation and the promotion of common values.

    In 2023, 216 applications were submitted touching upon a variety of subjects such as building a sculpture park about human rights in a school space, putting together an EU songbook, and a solidarity initiative set up by a group of volunteers tirelessly helping their fellow citizens hit by devastating floods, and much more.

     The Prize goes to projects organised by people or organisations that encourage:

    • Mutual understanding and closer integration between people in the EU
    • Cross-border cooperation that builds a stronger European spirit
    • EU values and fundamental rights

     Individual citizens, groups, associations or organisations can apply with a project for the Prize or can nominate a project. MEPs can also submit a nomination.

     In 2024 no European Citizen’s Prize will be awarded as it is a European election year.

     

    For more information, please write to CitizensPrize@ep.europa.eu


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  • Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought 

    The Sakharov prize is awarded for a particular achievement in one of the following fields:

    • defence of human rights and fundamental freedoms, particularly the right to free expression,
    • safeguarding the rights of minorities,
    • respect for international law,
    • development of democracy and implementation of the rule of law.
      
  • LUX Audience Award: supporting culture and connecting Europeans 

    Since 2007, the LUX Film Prize of the European Parliament has been building bridges across Europe, by shedding light on films that go to the heart of the European public debate.

    In September 2020, the LUX Film Prize became the LUX Audience Award. It was jointly launched by the European Parliament and the European Film Academy, in partnership with the European Commission and Europa Cinemas.

    The new award aims at strengthening ties between citizens and their political representatives, by inviting European audiences to become part of the biggest film jury in Europe and vote for their favourite films. The aim is also to get audiences into cinemas to watch inspiring European films and encourage them to engage in debates about Europe. The selected films aim to raise awareness of some of Europe’s social, political and historical issues, and they reflect the beauty and diversity of European cinema.

    The winning film is selected jointly by the public and Members of the European Parliament (each group holding 50 % of the vote).

    For more details on the current edition, please visit: luxaward.eu.