RCC and Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs of Austria invite nominations for individuals and organisations whose work brings South East Europe closer together

Sarajevo – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), together with the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs of Austria (BMEIA), has opened nominations for the 2025 Champion of Regional Cooperation Dr Erhard Busek Award, inviting the public to nominate individuals and organisations whose work has made a lasting contribution to regional cooperation, dialogue and European integration in South East Europe.

Named in honour of the late Dr Erhard Busek, one of the architects and strongest advocates of regional cooperation in South East Europe, the Award recognises exceptional vision, leadership and long-term commitment to building a more connected, stable and prosperous region. Established by the RCC in 2013 and jointly presented by the RCC and the BMEIA since 2022, the Award represents one of the highest recognitions dedicated to regional cooperation in South East Europe. It honours those who have gone beyond boundaries to build bridges, advance dialogue and create tangible and lasting regional impact. 

Individuals and organisations may be nominated for their lifetime contribution or for a defining initiative that has substantially strengthened regional cooperation. Eligible candidates should have demonstrated meaningful regional impact through work contributing to regional development, the region’s European integration, promotion of South East Europe, socio-economic inclusion or other tangible and sustainable benefits for the region. Their work should also reflect fundamental values of human rights, fairness, transparency and equal treatment. 

The 2024 Champion of Regional Cooperation was Agelast Podcast, recognised for creating a platform for open, thoughtful and inclusive conversations that transcend boundaries and foster dialogue, understanding and cultural exchange across the region. Previous laureates also include the Sarajevo Film Festival, EXIT Festival, Youth Sports Games, and No Borders Orchestra, among others whose work has made a lasting contribution to connecting people and societies across South East Europe. 

The selected laureate will receive the title of Champion of Regional Cooperation, high-level regional and international recognition and visibility, as well as a financial award of EUR 10,000. 

Anyone may submit a nomination, while nominations remain anonymous. Applications should include the name of the nominated individual or organisation, a description of their work and its relevance to the eligibility criteria, and evidence of their tangible contribution to regional cooperation. The recipient will be selected by an independent jury following a preselection process conducted by an Evaluation Committee comprising representatives of the RCC and the BMEIA. 

Nominations are open until 13 September 2026 and can be submitted through the dedicated online application form available HERE.

At a time when cooperation is increasingly tested by global uncertainty and growing fragmentation, the Champion of Regional Cooperation Dr Erhard Busek Award recognises those whose work demonstrates that lasting progress in South East Europe is achieved through partnership, dialogue and a shared European vision. The Champion of Regional Cooperation Dr Erhard Busek Award celebrates those who build bridges across South East Europe, turning cooperation into tangible results that benefit citizens, strengthen regional ties and contribute to the region's European future.