By honouring initiatives that make cultural memory accessible and meaningful for all, regardless of age, background, or belief, the Prize affirms heritage as a living resource for education, reconciliation, and democratic engagement.
Be part of the Simone Veil Prize
Celebrating Jewish cultural heritage as a vital part of Europe’s shared story.
Applications are now open
(c) Public domain – Nationaal Archief (Pays-Bas), 1984
What is
Simone Veil Prize
The Simone Veil Prize is an annual European cultural award co-funded under the Creative Europe Programme (2021-2027) of the European Union.
The Simone Veil Prize will recognize projects and initiatives, 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.
The prize honours the legacy of Simone Veil (1927-2017), a Jewish Holocaust survivor who dedicated her life to reconciliation, passionately promoting human rights and European unity. As the first president of the European Parliament, she campaigned against antisemitism and fought for a unified Europe of shared ideals, making her a powerful symbol of the values the prize seeks to celebrate.
Who can apply
Apply for the prize
The Prize is 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 two different projects and in two different categories.
What kind of projects
The Prize recognises projects that engage with Jewish cultural heritage to promote dialogue, inclusion, and a deeper understanding of Europe’s shared history.
Project should demonstrate
Contribution to intercultural dialogue, social participation, and democratic resilience;
Engagement with communities and diverse audiences;
Promotion of shared European values and cultural understanding;
Social impact and relevance.
Projects must have been completed within the past three years (in the period between January 2023 and January 2026).
Particular attention will be given to initiatives that:
Highlight lesser-known narratives;
Foster intergenerational exchange;
Empower young people;
Promote inclusive and participatory approaches.
Prize categories:
Applicants are invited to submit projects under one of the following categories:
Shared Histories;
Heritage for Dialogue;
Living Heritage;
Cross-border Cooperation and Shared Narratives;
Next Generation, Youth Engagement and Education.
How to apply
Review the Call for Entries and Applicants’ Code of Ethics;
Prepare your application materials;
Submit your application by email.
Prizes and recognition
Up to 25 finalists will be selected and recognised for their outstanding contributions. Among them, five Grand Prix winners (one per category) will each receive a €10,000 award.
Who we are looking for
Become a juror
The Prize invites professionals with expertise in:
Jewish cultural heritage and research;
Civil society and non-governmental organisations;
Education and academia;
Public engagement (e.g. human rights, democracy, equality, social justice);
Public policy and governance;
Youth leadership and intergenerational initiatives.
Candidates must
Have at least 5 years’ relevant professional experience (3 years for candidates under 30);
Demonstrate experience in at least one relevant project;
Show a strong understanding of cultural and/or Jewish heritage in a European context;
Have experience in at least one project corresponding to the Prize’s scope of work;
Have recognised experience in public engagement or inclusive approaches;
Be legally domiciled in or be citizens of one of the countries participating in the Creative Europe programme.
Your role:
Jury members contribute to a fair, transparent, and high-quality evaluation process by:
Reviewing and assessing applications;
Participating in collective deliberations;
Selecting finalists and Prize winners.
Jury members are expected to:
Jury members contribute to a fair, transparent, and high-quality evaluation process by:
Work collaboratively within an international and multidisciplinary team;
Adhere to principles of confidentiality, impartiality, and conflict-of-interest prevention;
Commit to the full evaluation period (July-December 2026), including online sessions and the Award Ceremony.
This is a voluntary role, but jurors will be invited to the award ceremony with travel and accommodation expenses covered.
Why participate:
Joining the jury is an opportunity to:
Contribute to recognising outstanding cultural initiatives;
Engage with a European network of experts;
Support the transmission of heritage and shared values;
Help amplify stories and initiatives that strengthen dialogue and understanding across Europe.
For organisations & projects
Apply for the prize
To apply, please download the Application Form and the Code of Ethics using the buttons below. Once completed, upload both documents along with your CV using the form.
For organisations & projects
Apply as a juror
To apply, please download the Application Form and the Code of Ethics using the buttons below. Once completed, upload both documents along with your CV using the form.
Who can apply
Apply for the prize
The Prize is 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 two different projects and in two different categories.
What kind of projects
The Prize recognises projects that engage with Jewish cultural heritage to promote dialogue, inclusion, and a deeper understanding of Europe’s shared history.
Contribution to intercultural dialogue, social participation, and democratic resilience;
Engagement with communities and diverse audiences;
Promotion of shared European values and cultural understanding;
Social impact and relevance.
Projects must have been completed within the past three years (in the period between January 2023 and January 2026).
Highlight lesser-known narratives;
Foster intergenerational exchange;
Empower young people;
Promote inclusive and participatory approaches.
Applicants are invited to submit projects under one of the following categories:
Shared Histories;
Heritage for Dialogue;
Living Heritage;
Cross-border Cooperation and Shared Narratives;
Next Generation, Youth Engagement and Education.
Review the Call for Entries and Applicants’ Code of Ethics;
Prepare your application materials;
Submit your application by email.
Up to 25 finalists will be selected and recognised for their outstanding contributions. Among them, five Grand Prix winners (one per category) will each receive a €10,000 award.
For organisations & projects
Apply for the prize
To apply, please download the Application Form and the Code of Ethics using the buttons below. Once completed, upload both documents along with your CV using the form.
Who we are looking for
Become a juror
The Prize invites professionals with expertise in:
Jewish cultural heritage and research;
Civil society and non-governmental organisations;
Education and academia;
Public engagement (e.g. human rights, democracy, equality, social justice);
Public policy and governance;
Youth leadership and intergenerational initiatives.
Have at least 5 years’ relevant professional experience (3 years for candidates under 30);
Demonstrate experience in at least one relevant project;
Show a strong understanding of cultural and/or Jewish heritage in a European context;
Have experience in at least one project corresponding to the Prize’s scope of work;
Have recognised experience in public engagement or inclusive approaches;
Be legally domiciled in or be citizens of one of the countries participating in the Creative Europe programme.
Jury members contribute to a fair, transparent, and high-quality evaluation process by:
Reviewing and assessing applications;
Participating in collective deliberations;
Selecting finalists and Prize winners.
Jury members contribute to a fair, transparent, and high-quality evaluation process by:
Work collaboratively within an international and multidisciplinary team;
Adhere to principles of confidentiality, impartiality, and conflict-of-interest prevention;
Commit to the full evaluation period (July-December 2026), including online sessions and the Award Ceremony.
This is a voluntary role, but jurors will be invited to the award ceremony with travel and accommodation expenses covered.
Joining the jury is an opportunity to:
Contribute to recognising outstanding cultural initiatives;
Engage with a European network of experts;
Support the transmission of heritage and shared values;
Help amplify stories and initiatives that strengthen dialogue and understanding across Europe.
For organisations & projects
Apply as a juror
To apply, please download the Application Form and the Code of Ethics using the buttons below. Once completed, upload both documents along with your CV using the form.
Timeline
Key dates
May ‘26
Launch of the call
July 31st
Application deadline Friday (23:59 CET)
Aug – Oct
Evaluation period
October ‘26
Announcement of finalists
December ‘26
Award Ceremony
