The Silver Rose Awards 2025 stands as one of the most prestigious platforms in Europe for recognizing individuals and organizations who champion social justice, solidarity, and human rights. Launched by SOLIDAR in collaboration with the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D Group) in the European Parliament, the awards have for more than two decades honored activists, civil society actors, and grassroots organizations who demonstrate courage, commitment, and creativity in the pursuit of a fairer and more equitable world.
The Silver Rose Awards aim to highlight the efforts of people who work tirelessly—often with little public recognition—in areas such as human rights, climate justice, inclusive democracy, peacebuilding, labor rights, and gender equity. These are individuals and groups who not only advocate for change but also implement it in tangible ways within their communities and beyond. The 2025 edition of the Silver Rose Awards is guided by the theme “Sustaining Movements, Empowering People.” In a time of rising authoritarianism, inequality, and environmental crises, this theme underscores the importance of strengthening grassroots movements that challenge injustice and empower the marginalized. The awards call for nominations from across the globe, aiming to amplify the voices of those who work in difficult contexts yet achieve significant social impact.
Every year, the ceremony takes place at the European Parliament in Brussels, where awardees are celebrated in front of policymakers, civil society leaders, and members of the international media. The event serves not just as a celebration, but also as a platform for dialogue between institutions and activists, bridging the gap between policy and people. Over the years, recipients have included community organizers, international advocacy networks, refugee support groups, women’s cooperatives, labor rights champions, and environmental defenders. Their stories and efforts serve as inspiring examples of what determined and compassionate activism can achieve. The visibility and recognition offered by the Silver Rose Awards have, in many cases, opened new doors for partnerships, funding, and international support for the winners’ causes.
Nominees should be individuals or organizations working in any country, at any level—from local to global. The focus is on impact, innovation, and a demonstrated commitment to values such as dignity, democracy, sustainability, and equality. The work of nominees should be aligned with the overall mission of SOLIDAR, which envisions a world where social justice is at the heart of all political and economic decision-making. Nominators are encouraged to highlight not only the achievements of the candidate but also the context in which they work, particularly if they operate under difficult or oppressive conditions. The nomination process is simple and accessible, with an online form available on the official SOLIDAR website. Letters of recommendation and media links are optional but helpful in illustrating the nominee’s impact.
Winning the Silver Rose Award brings international attention to the recipients’ work and enables them to build stronger networks within the European Union and beyond. Although there is no cash prize, the symbolic value of the award, the access it provides to influential platforms, and the validation it brings to grassroots efforts make it a highly sought-after recognition.
Name of Organizer
Requirement/Eligibility
Nominees must be individuals or organizations working to advance social justice, solidarity, human rights, environmental sustainability, or inclusive democracy.
There are no geographic limitations; nominations are accepted from all regions of the world.
Nominees must show a demonstrable impact in their field through innovative and sustained work.
Nominations can only be submitted by third parties (self-nominations are not allowed).
Multiple nominations for a single nominee are allowed but must be submitted by different individuals or organizations.
Nominees should embody the values of justice, equity, inclusion, and peace.
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