What does the Emperor-Maximilian-Prize stand for?
Shaping Europe together, creatively and sustainably : That is the aim of the Emperor-Maximilian-Prize. This Europe lives from people who put the European idea into practice through numerous projects and initiatives - in all areas of life beyond local, regional and national borders.
The Emperor-Maximilian-Prize recognizes and supports this living togetherness and offers incentives for further concepts. Every two years, the City of Innsbruck awards the prize of 10,000 euros to a winning project.
The winning project receives the Kaiser Maximilian Medal, a certificate and 10,000 euros for the project.© Stadt Innsbruck
Young-European-connected
With the Emperor-Maximilian-Prize, lighthouse projects are sought under the focus "young-European-connected", which offer young people in particular an example of how they can shape the future of European society. Across municipal, regional and national borders.
The target group are projects by individuals or groups from member states of the European Union or the Council of Europe that deal with issues that European society will face in the present and future - and that inspire young people to deal with these issues, develop joint solutions and promote European cooperation.
Experience Europe on site
Tailored to the respective winning project and in cooperation with local associations/institutions and the Youth Advisory Council of the City of Innsbruck, a program will also be offered to accompany the award ceremony. This is intended to offer local young people and children in particular an insight into the diverse possibilities of European cooperation. In various formats, they can experience the initiatives up close and try out their own skills.
Who awards the Emperor-Maximilian-Prize?
Originally established in 1998 to honor deserving personalities in European municipal and regional politics, the Emperor-Maximilian-Prize was relaunched in 2019 to mark the 500th anniversary of the death of its patron saint. With this award, the City of Innsbruck recognizes and supports projects and initiatives that demonstrate how the future of Europe can be shaped together, creatively and sustainably.
"Where innovation is to flourish, there must be a free exchange of ideas. By recognising outstanding projects, we shine a spotlight on the individual creativity of young role models. Such role models motivate and inspire us as a European community." - Mayor Ing. Mag. Johannes Anzengruber, BSc.© C. Forcher
Who supports the Emperor-Maximilian-Prize?
Eminent personalities from European institutions take on the patronage of the Emperor-Maximilian-Prize. With their commitment, they send a strong signal for the promotion of projects that advance Europe.
The patrons consist of:
- Vasco Alves Cordeiro, President of the European Committee of the Regions
- Marc Cools, President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe
- Gunn Marit Helgesen, President of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions
- Albert Castellanos Maduell, President of the Assembly of European Regions
“Our future lies in the hands of our young European generations, and it is our duty to spare no effort in empowering them and equipping them with all the tools that will strengthen their capacity for innovation and creativity. We must invest in future-proof generations in order to create a stronger and more resilient Europe.” – Gunn Marit Helgesen, President of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions and patron of the 2026 Emperor-Maximilian-Prize. © Rat der Gemeinden und Regionen Europas
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"The Assembly of European Regions is proud to support the 2026 Emperor-Maximilian-Prize. As an organisation dedicated to promoting the active participation of citizens, particularly young people, in shaping Europe’s present and future, we recognise the importance of supporting youth-led initiatives that pave the way for positive change. By encouraging young people to take the lead, we are fostering a generation capable of building a more sustainable, inclusive and united Europe.” – Albert Castellanos Maduell, President of the Assembly of European Regions and patron of the 2026 Emperor-Maximilian-Prize.© Versammlung der Regionen Europas
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How do I apply for the Emperor-Maximilian-Prize?
During the application period, you will find the application form and the application instructions in English here:
What is the Emperor-Maximilian-Prize?
The Emperor-Maximilian-Prize of the City of Innsbruck recognizes and supports projects and initiatives from all areas of life that put the European idea into practice at regional and municipal level. The prize money of 10,000 euros is earmarked for the winning project.
Who can apply?
The Emperor-Maximilian-Prize is open to all projects and initiatives at regional and local level that promote cross-border European cooperation. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and hold citizenship of one of the 27 EU Member States and/or one of the 46 Member States of the Council of Europe. Details of the application requirements can be found in the application guidelines or in the Guide for Applicants during the application period.
When can I apply?
The current call for applications ran from 22 January 2025 to 27 March 2025.
How can I apply?
Applications must be submitted online using the application form in English during the application period.
How is the winning project determined?
Following the application, the submissions that fulfil the application requirements will be passed on to an award jury for assessment. The jury is made up of representatives of the City of Innsbruck, the Province of Tyrol, the "Committee of the Regions" (CoR), the "Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe" (CLRAE), the "Assembly of European Regions" (AER), the "Council of European Municipalities and Regions" (CEMR) and the University of Innsbruck. The winning project will be selected in a jury meeting.
When will the award ceremony take place?
The Emperor-Maximilian-Prize award ceremony took place in Innsbruck in the spring of 2026.
Which project won the most recent Emperor-Maximilian-Prize?
In 2026, the Emperor-Maximilian-Prize was awarded to the European Youth Forum Neumarkt (EYFON) for the ‘EYFON Peace Days’ project. The aim of the multi-day event was to discuss European values with more than 30 young people. The focus was on peace, security and European cooperation. The international jury comprised representatives from the City of Innsbruck, the Province of Tyrol, the ‘Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe’ (CLRAE), the ‘Assembly of European Regions’ (AER), the ‘Council of European Municipalities and Regions’ (RGRE) and the University of Innsbruck. At the award ceremony in the Innsbruck City Library, EYFON President Christoph Leitl and Project Manager Dave Kock were delighted to receive the recognition.
School competition ‘PEACE in times of change’
The City of Innsbruck and the Province of Tyrol, in collaboration with the 2026 award-winning project ‘PeaceDays’ by ‘EYFON – European Youth Forum Neumarkt’, organised a competition on the theme of ‘PEACE in times of change’.
Classes from across Tyrol were invited to submit entries on this theme. There were no limits to creativity. The format of the entries was open – everything from art objects and media art to photography and music projects was possible.
Under the title ‘PEACE in times of change’, around 700 pupils and their teachers took part in the competition organised by the City of Innsbruck and the Province of Tyrol. The winning classes received prizes of 500 euros each for their class funds in their respective age-based categories.
The winning projects are:
- ‘Peace Tree’: Year 4 at Wenns Primary School
- ‘Border Conflict’: Class 2c at Kematen Secondary School
- ‘Dreams Need Peace’: Class B at the Innsbruck Polytechnic School
- “Nature as a Space for Peace”: Tyrolean Vocational School (TBFS) for Gardening, Interior Design and Fashion
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Contact
Emperor-Maximilian-Prize
Opening hours
Monday to Thursday:
8.00-12.00 and 13.00-16.00 and by appointment
Friday:
8.00-12.00