The European Charlemagne Youth Prize supports youth-led projects that strengthen democracy, encourage active citizenship, and promote community cohesion across the European Union. Open to young people aged 16–30, the prize awards up to €7,500 to the top projects, with the 2026 application deadline set for 2 February 2026.
Overview
The European Charlemagne Youth Prize, announced by the Youth Hub, recognises outstanding youth-led projects that promote democracy, foster active civic engagement, and bring communities together across the European Union.
The prize highlights initiatives that demonstrate tangible impact, creativity, and innovation, while encouraging young people to actively shape Europe’s democratic future.
Purpose of the Prize
The prize aims to:
- Strengthen democratic values in Europe
- Promote active citizenship among young people
- Support youth-driven community-building initiatives
- Encourage cross-border understanding and cooperation
Prize Amounts and Benefits
The three European winning projects receive the following awards:
- First prize: €7,500
- Second prize: €5,000
- Third prize: €2,500
Additional Opportunities for European Winners
European laureates also benefit from:
- An invitation to visit the European Parliament in Brussels or Strasbourg
- A possible Schuman traineeship for one representative from each of the three winning projects, subject to meeting eligibility criteria
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The prize is open to:
- Young people aged 16 to 30
- Residents of an EU Member State
Projects may be submitted by:
- An individual
- A group of individuals
- An organisation, represented by a responsible person who meets the age and residency requirements
Project Eligibility Requirements
To be considered, projects must:
- Already have produced identifiable results at the time of application
- Align clearly with the prize objectives of democracy, active citizenship, and community building
Projects may be:
- National in scope
- International or transnational in scope
International projects must be submitted in only one EU Member State, preferably the country with the closest link to the project.
Projects and Activities Not Eligible
The following are not eligible for the prize:
- Projects in the planning or early implementation phase
- Academic theses
- Profit-oriented or commercial activities
- Governmental or public authority initiatives
- Projects that have already received a prize from a European institution
How the Selection Process Works
The selection process takes place in two stages.
National-Level Selection
- Each EU Member State has a national jury
- One project is selected as the national winner per Member State
European-Level Selection
- The 27 national winning projects advance to the European round
- A European jury selects the top three European projects
Key Evaluation Criteria
Projects are assessed based on:
- Achievement of the prize’s objectives
- Creativity and innovation
- Demonstrable results and impact
- Transnational dimension involving young people from more than one Member State
Projects with a strong cross-border component receive particular consideration.
Important Dates for the 2026 Edition
- Application deadline: 2 February 2026
- Announcement of national winners: 17 March 2026
- European award ceremony: 12 May 2026
- Award ceremony location: Aachen, Germany
Representatives of all national winning projects will be invited to attend the ceremony.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit their project through the official application system by the stated deadline.
Applications should clearly describe:
- The project’s objectives and activities
- The results achieved so far
- The target group and geographic scope
- How the project promotes democracy, active citizenship, and community cohesion
Incomplete or late applications are not considered.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting projects that are still in planning or early stages
- Applying with academic or profit-driven projects
- Failing to demonstrate measurable or identifiable results
- Submitting international projects in multiple Member States
- Missing the application deadline
Why This Prize Matters
The European Charlemagne Youth Prize empowers young people to contribute actively to democratic life in Europe.
By recognising and supporting impactful youth-led initiatives, the prize amplifies innovative solutions, encourages civic participation, and strengthens European values at the grassroots level.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can apply for the European Charlemagne Youth Prize?
Young people aged 16–30 who reside in an EU Member State may apply.
Can organisations submit projects?
Yes. Organisations may submit projects, provided they are represented by a responsible person who meets the eligibility criteria.
Do projects need to be completed?
Projects do not need to be completed, but they must have produced identifiable results at the time of application.
Are international projects eligible?
Yes. International projects are eligible but must be submitted in only one EU Member State.
What happens after national selection?
Each national winner advances to the European selection round, where three European winners are chosen.
Where will the award ceremony take place?
The award ceremony will be held in Aachen, Germany, on 12 May 2026.
Is participation in the European Parliament visit guaranteed?
European winners are invited to visit the European Parliament, but participation depends on organisational arrangements and eligibility.
Conclusion
The European Charlemagne Youth Prize 2026 offers a prestigious platform for young people to showcase impactful projects that strengthen democracy and civic engagement.
With financial awards, European-level recognition, and unique opportunities for engagement with EU institutions, the prize continues to inspire youth leadership and cross-border cooperation across Europe.
For more information, visit Youth Hub.
