Whether you are part of a local community initiative, a youth project, or a European network making a difference - we welcome nominations until 18th July so now is the time to nominate and to get nominated! 

The Awards recognise inspiring organisations, networks and initiatives that create positive, lasting impact - especially in the areas of community support, youth engagement, and people-to-people relations. By spotlighting these efforts, we aim to foster deeper connections between the EU and UK at a local level. 

EmpowerEU Awards 2025 categories:

1. Youth Champions
Forefronting youth-led work that fosters UK-EU cooperation or relations between young people in the UK and the EU (age 15-30), most notably work that inspires lasting change.   

2. Community Champions
Recognising grassroots community groups, small charities, social enterprises and local initiatives (including local projects, collectives, mutual aid groups) that have maintained and strengthened relationships between EU and UK citizens through local organising, peer to peer movements, art and direct action.

3. Inspiring European Connections
Spotlighting organisations and networks that have made an outstanding contribution to fostering meaningful people-to-people connections between EU and UK nationals, or among EU nationals from different countries, in order to work towards a better society. By ‘people-to-people connection’, we mean initiatives that foster relationships between individuals, professionals or communities - including cultural exchange, shared experiences, collaboration, and mutual learning - across national, linguistic or cultural lines.

Nominations are open until 23:59 BST 18th July 2025, and the winners will be announced at the EmpowerEU Award Ceremony towards the end of the year.

Submit your nomination here.
For more information, read the Nomination Guidance, visit our FAQ page or email us at: awards@empower-eu.uk

In 2024, the winners of the EmpowerEU Award were

• The Young European Movement UK - Youth Champions
• Polish Eastern European Christian Family Centre (PEEC) - Community Champions
• the3Million - Outstanding Achievement

The charity Settled received a special mention for community endeavour. 

More information about the 2024 Awards is available here.

Stay connected by following our social media and the hashtag #EmpowerEUawards as we share the stories and achievements that shape a stronger future for EU-UK relations.