La European Commission has published a call for proposals for the first edition of the Simone Veil Award, a new annual European award dedicated to the valorization of Jewish cultural heritage, funded under the EU's Creative Europe program. The initiative is inspired by Simone Veil, a Holocaust survivor, the first female President of the European Parliament, and a longtime advocate for human rights. At its core is the idea of making memory an accessible and meaningful tool for all, regardless of age, origin, or creed, through cultural heritage as a living resource for education, reconciliation, and democratic participation.
The Prize will recognize projects and initiatives, from local communities to cross-border collaborations, that use cultural heritage to promote dialogue and inclusion, foster deeper knowledge and understanding of European history, raise awareness of cultural diversity, and strengthen a shared sense of European cultural identity. Up to 25 finalists will be selected, five of whom will receive the Grand Prix, one for each prize category. The five winners will receive a prize of €10.
The award aims to promote civic engagement and social cohesion, while highlighting the fundamental contribution of Jewish cultural heritage to European identity. Organizations and citizens from countries participating in the Culture strand of the Creative Europe programme are eligible to participate.
The deadline for submitting applications is 31 July 2026. More details here