Nominations are closed.
The Champion of Regional Cooperation Dr Erhard Busek Award recognises outstanding individuals and organisations whose vision, leadership and long-term commitment have shaped cooperation, stability and European integration in South East Europe.
Named in honour of Dr Erhard Busek, one of the architects of regional cooperation, the Award celebrates those who have gone beyond boundaries to build bridges, advance dialogue and contribute to a more connected and prosperous region.
The Award represents one of the highest recognitions dedicated to regional cooperation in South East Europe, acknowledging transformative leadership, lasting impact and contributions that continue to inspire cooperation across generations.
The Award, founded by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) in 2013, has been jointly presented by RCC and the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs of Austria (BMEIA) since 2022, honouring the legacy of Dr Erhard Busek and their shared commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and European integration in South East Europe.
Candidates may be nominated based on their lifetime contribution or a defining initiative that has substantially strengthened regional cooperation.
Individuals or organisations are eligible for the Award if they meet the following criteria:
- Their work or activities have had a demonstrable and meaningful impact on regional cooperation in South East Europe;
- Their contribution is cross-boundary in nature and/or has a regional reach or outlook;
- Their work demonstrably contributes to one or more of the following:
- regional cooperation;
- regional development;
- EU integration of the region;
- promotion of the region;
- socio-economic inclusivity in the region;
- any other form of tangible and sustainable benefit to the region;
- their work or activities reflect fundamental values of human rights, fairness, transparency, and equal treatment.
Individuals holding elected, appointed or employed positions in any government or governmental institution/organisation, as well as appointees or employees of international organisations that are among RCC Board participants are not eligible for the Award.
Individuals or organisations nominated for the Award cannot be nominated in their capacity as representatives of political parties or political groups, nor can the nominated activities be party-political in nature. The Award does not recognise political mandates.
The RCC and BMEIA may also extend invitations for nominations to distinguished regional and international figures.
The Evaluation Committee comprising a representative of the RCC and the BMEIA will conduct the preselection of the received applications. An independent jury will then decide the awardee based on the Evaluation Committee’s preselection. Opportunity to nominate a candidate would be advertised on RCC and BMEIA communication channels, as well as shared with the RCC Board participants. Nomination applications should include:
- The name of the individual or organisation nominated for the award;
- A description of their activities based on the eligibility criteria (up to 300 words);
- Evidence of tangible contribution to regional cooperation (links to websites, articles, or stories about nominee’s activities and achievements).
Nominations are anonymous and anyone is eligible to nominate.
Applications should be submitted through the application form by 14 September 2026.
- Recognition as a Champion of Regional Cooperation, joining a distinguished laureates who have shaped cooperation and European integration in South East Europe
- High-level regional and international recognition and visibility
- Financial award of EUR 10,000
The period for submission of nominations for the award will open on 14 July 2026 and close on 14 September 2026.
The awardee must be present at the award ceremony to receive the award.
The decisions of the Evaluation Committee and the independent jury will be final and binding.
The award may not be transferred to another person or organisation.
The RCC and the BMEIA reserve the right to use the name and image of the awardee for publicity and promotional purposes.
The Champion of Regional Cooperation Dr Erhard Busek Award is sponsored by the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs of Austria
