Organizer Information
The Simone Veil Prize is being designed and delivered by a consortium selected by the European Commission following an open call, made up of GOPA Com, GOPA Pace, and the European Association for the Preservation and Promotion of Jewish Culture and Heritage (AEPJ). AEPJ's long-standing mission is to preserve, promote and activate Jewish heritage throughout Europe while fostering dialogue, cooperation and mutual understanding across cultures and borders. Between 2026 and 2028, the consortium is responsible for up to three annual cycles of the prize, overseeing its conception, governance and implementation across Europe. The prize was created following Ursula von der Leyen's announcement, as President of the European Commission, during the Euro-Chanukah celebration on 17 December 2025. It is co-funded under the Creative Europe Programme (2021–2027) of the European Union.
Title & Description
Simone Veil Prize (2026)
The Simone Veil Prize is an annual European cultural award co-funded under the Creative Europe Programme, celebrating Jewish cultural heritage as a vital part of Europe's shared story. The Prize recognises projects and initiatives, ranging from local communities to cross-border collaborations, that use cultural heritage to foster dialogue and inclusion, promote deeper knowledge and understanding of European history, raise awareness of cultural diversity, and strengthen a shared sense of European cultural identity. It honours initiatives that make cultural memory accessible and meaningful for people of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs, affirming heritage as a living resource for education, reconciliation, and democratic engagement. The Prize is named in honour of Simone Veil (1927–2017), a Jewish Holocaust survivor and the first president of the European Parliament, who campaigned against antisemitism and for a unified Europe of shared ideals.
Theme
Jewish cultural heritage as a vital part of Europe's shared story, with projects expected to engage with this heritage to promote dialogue, inclusion, and a deeper understanding of Europe's shared history.
Categories
- Culture
- Research
- All Discipline
- Interdisciplinary Arts
- Educations
Eligibility
- Open to individuals and organisations based in countries participating in the Creative Europe Programme
- Each applicant may submit up to two applications, provided they are for two different projects and in two different categories
- Projects must have been completed within the past three years, specifically between January 2023 and January 2026
- Projects must demonstrate contribution to intercultural dialogue, social participation, and democratic resilience
- Projects must demonstrate engagement with communities and diverse audiences
- Projects must demonstrate promotion of shared European values and cultural understanding
- Projects must demonstrate social impact and relevance
- Particular attention will be given to initiatives that highlight lesser-known narratives, foster intergenerational exchange, empower young people, and promote inclusive and participatory approaches
Program Benefits & Awards
- Up to 25 finalists will be selected and recognised for their outstanding contributions
- Five Grand Prix winners (one per category) will each receive a €10,000 award
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Application submitted via the form on the official website
- Materials should be prepared in line with the Call for Entries and Applicants' Code of Ethics (reviewed prior to applying)
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 31 July, 2026
- Evaluation by the Jury panel: August to October, 2026
- Announcement of 25 finalists: October, 2026
Location
Europe
Additional Details
- Prize categories: Shared Histories; Heritage for Dialogue; Living Heritage; Cross-border Cooperation and Shared Narratives; Next Generation, Youth Engagement and Education
- Applicants are advised to first review the Call for Entries and the Applicants' Code of Ethics before preparing their materials