Project Prize Fund

The International Charlemagne Prize is one of Europe’s most prestigious awards and attracts worldwide attention through its annual presentation ceremony. The personalities and institutions honoured – most recently including Macron, Zelenskyy, Von der Leyen and Draghi – represent outstanding contributions to European unification.

The European Charlemagne Youth Prize, the Charlemagne Prize Academy, as well as political and cultural events, also help to make the European idea visible and inspire people across Europe to engage with the shared European project.

Since 2025, the International Charlemagne Prize has expanded its mission: with additional resources, it aims to reach even more people and support concrete pro-European initiatives.

A private foundation established by Aachen-based entrepreneurs Dr.-Ing. Eckhard Schulz and Dr rer. nat. Stefanie Schäfer-Schulz makes possible a project prize fund of one million euros per year, initially planned for a period of ten years. Through this generous donation, charitable projects are supported – with the involvement of Charlemagne Prize laureates – that strengthen European values, make the vision of a united Europe visible and increase the impact of the Charlemagne Prize.

The project prize fund supports charitable activities by citizens, NGOs, associations, organisations, public institutions and European networks that promote European values, strengthen democracy and freedom, and make cooperation across borders tangible.

Eligible projects include reconciliation and integration initiatives, educational programmes, conferences on European policy issues, social and cultural activities such as festivals and media projects, digital formats, language promotion, Erasmus projects, as well as initiatives addressing the priorities of the European Commission – including climate protection, digitalisation, sustainability and regional development. Partnerships with institutions outside the EU and projects in emerging fields such as space exploration or marine research are also possible. The scope for pro-European creativity is unlimited.

All projects must serve the idea of a united Europe – promoting integration, mutual understanding and awareness of the importance of the European Union – and thereby contribute to a shared European identity.

Funding is awarded according to European standards for charitable organisations; a set of criteria supports the selection process. Political parties and affiliated organisations are excluded. The respective Charlemagne Prize laureate is involved in the nomination process. Project oversight is carried out by the independent Charlemagne Prize Foundation.

Thanks to the support of the DSA Schäfer-Schulz Foundation, the International Charlemagne Prize can actively participate in European initiatives, foster networks and help make “Europe from the grassroots” visible throughout the year.