The future of European democracy took center stage this Tuesday as three trailblazing initiatives from Estonia, France, and Spain were named the winners of the 2026 European
Charlemagne Youth Prize.
In a ceremony held in Aachen, the European Parliament and the Foundation for the International Charlemagne Prize honored these youth-led projects for their commitment to fostering active citizenship, bridging cultural divides, and strengthening democratic participation across the continent.
The 2026 Laureates
🥇First Prize: ATHENA (Estonia)
Advancing Women's Leadership in Inclusive Democracy
Focused on dismantling barriers for young women aged 16–26, ATHENA provides the mentorship and technical skills necessary to excel in public decision-making. By building robust professional networks, the project empowers a new generation of female leaders to claim their seats at the political table.
Award: €7,500
🥈Second Prize: Pol (France)
Combating Misinformation and Strengthening Participation
Pol is a digital bridge between young citizens and the French National Assembly. The app allows users to vote on active bills and participate in polls, using fact-based context to simplify complex legislative processes and combat the rising tide of political disinformation.
Award: €5,000
🥉Third Prize: European Guanxi (Spain)
Connecting Europe and China
As the first Europe-wide platform of its kind, European Guanxi facilitates informed analysis and dialogue regarding EU-China relations. By connecting young experts and enthusiasts, the network promotes a unified European voice on the global stage and strengthens internal cohesion on international affairs.
Award: €2,500
Empowering the next generation
The European Charlemagne Youth Prize is an annual celebration of innovation by citizens aged 16 to 30. Since its inception in 2008, the prize has seen over 7,600 projects compete, each aiming to strengthen the European identity through grassroots action.
The selection process begins with national juries choosing a winner from each of the 27 EU member states. These 27 finalists are invited to Aachen, where a European jury selects the top three laureates.
This year’s ceremony serves as a prestigious prelude to the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen, which will be presented tomorrow, 14 May, to honor exceptional service toward European unity.