Brussels: Members of the Foreign Affairs and Development Committees of the European Parliament have announced the three finalists for the 2025 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. The announcement was made following a vote on Thursday morning.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the three finalists selected are Andrzej Poczobut from Belarus and Mzia Amaglobeli from Georgia, both imprisoned journalists; the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate, the Red Crescent, and UNRWA representing journalists and humanitarian aid workers in Palestine and other conflict zones; and Serbian students. These candidates have been recognized for their significant contributions to human rights and freedom of expression.
The next step involves the Conference of Presidents, including European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and leaders of the political groups, who will select the laureate from the shortlist. The decision is scheduled to be announced on 23 October 2025 during the plenary session in the Strasbourg Hemicycle.
The Sakharov Prize ceremony, which includes a monetary award of 50,000 euros, is set to take place on 16 December 2025 in Strasbourg. This prestigious prize, named after Soviet physicist and political dissident Andrei Sakharov, is the European Union’s highest recognition in the field of human rights. It honors individuals, groups, or organizations annually for their efforts in promoting human rights, freedom of expression, and democratic values.
The prize has been awarded since 1988, with notable laureates such as Nelson Mandela, Anatoly Marchenko, and more recently, Maria Corina Machado, who also received the Nobel Peace Prize for 2025. The award highlights the European Parliament’s commitment to upholding fundamental democratic values as indicated by the recent Eurobarometer survey, which shows that EU citizens prioritize peace, democracy, and human rights.