Who is eligible

Individuals or organizations who meet the following criteria are eligible to apply for the award:

• They and their work are based in South East Europe;
• Their work or activities are cross-border and/or have a regional reach or outlook;
• Their work demonstrably contributes to one or more of the following:
• regional cooperation;
• regional development;
• EU integration of the region;
• promotion of the region;
• socio-economic inclusivity in the region;
• any other form of tangible and sustainable benefit to the region;
• Their work or activities reflect the fundamental values of human rights, fairness, transparency, and equal treatment.

• Individuals or groups representing and/or working with/for minorities, women, youth or vulnerable groups are particularly encouraged to apply.

Individuals or organizations nominated for the award should not be affiliated to or financed by political parties or distinct political groups. They and their work should reflect an independence removed from personal, private or political interests.

Governmental or international institutions, including their employees, are not eligible.