During the Euro-Chanukah celebration on 17 December, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, announced that the first edition of the Simone Veil prize will take place in 2026. 

The European Commission has selected a consortium to design and deliver the prize following an open call. The consortium is composed of GOPA Com, GOPA Pace and the European Association for the Preservation and Promotion of Jewish Culture and Heritage (AEPJ). 

The new annual award will spotlight how cultural heritage can serve as a catalyst for civic engagement and social cohesion, while also reflecting the important contribution of Jewish cultural heritage to Europe’s identity.

First nominations planned for 2026

With the consortium now appointed, preparations for the first edition are underway. Between 2026 and 2028, the consortium will manage up to three annual cycles of the prize. The first call for nominations is planned for 2026, inviting organisations and initiatives to showcase how culture and remembrance can reinforce cohesion and solidarity in Europe.

Objectives of the new Simone Veil Prize

The Simone Veil prize will support a wide range of actions and organisations, from festivals to educational materials and digital archives, that bring heritage to life in ways that engage citizens and open space for reflection and participation.

The prize aims to turn heritage and places of memory into spaces for civic participation, education, and democratic engagement, by recognising projects that make heritage relevant for all generations. It is named after Simone Veil, Holocaust survivor, first female President of the European Parliament and champion of human rights.

The prize, that will be organised under the Creative Europe programme, will complement existing EU heritage initiatives such as the European Heritage Label, the European Heritage Days, and the European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards. It will have a unique focus on inclusive remembrance and cultural dialogue.