JEF Finland’s EU Youth Summit, held last autumn, has been named the national winner of the 2026 European Charlemagne Youth Prize.
The EU Youth Summit was part of the event series marking Finland’s 30th anniversary of EU membership, and it brought together young people from across Europe to reflect on the greatest challenges of our time: technological disruption, geopolitical uncertainty and the climate crisis. Together, the participants drafted a comprehensive resolution on their hopes for Europe’s future.
“We are extremely grateful for this significant recognition, which is a reminder that young people are active participants in European decision-making and that their voice plays a decisive role in building our shared future. This is a critically important reminder for decision-makers amid global crises. Young people’s message to decision-makers is clear: a strong and united Europe is not just a goal, it is the foundation of our security, now and in the future.” comments JEF Finland’s President Pieta Päivänen.
The European Charlemagne Youth Prize is designed to reward projects carried out by young people that advance democracy and active citizenship. The European Parliament and the International Charlemagne Prize Foundation, based in Aachen, Germany, jointly award the European Charlemagne Youth Prize each year to recognise young people’s work that shapes a shared European identity and has a lasting impact on Europe’s future.
With this national win, the EU Youth Summit is now also a contender for the European prize. The winner of the youth prize will be announced at an award ceremony in Aachen, Germany, in May.