Who is eligible

Individuals or organizations who meet the following criteria are eligible to apply for the award:

• 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 the 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.