Brussels: The first edition of the Simone Veil prize will take place in 2026, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, has announced recently. The European Commission has introduced this annual award to highlight the role of cultural heritage as a catalyst for civic engagement and social cohesion, emphasizing the contribution of Jewish cultural heritage to Europe's identity.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the European Commission has appointed a consortium to oversee the preparations for this initiative. The consortium will manage up to three annual cycles of the prize between 2026 and 2028. The first call for nominations is planned for 2026, inviting organizations and initiatives to demonstrate how culture and remembrance can strengthen cohesion and solidarity across Europe.
The Simone Veil prize will support a variety of actions and organizations, including festivals, educational materials, and digital archives, all aimed at engaging citizens and creating spaces for reflection and participation. The prize focuses on transforming heritage and places of memory into spaces for civic participation, education, and democratic engagement by recognizing projects that make heritage meaningful for all generations.
The prize is named after Simone Veil, a Holocaust survivor, the first female President of the European Parliament, and a human rights advocate.