2026 Sakharov Prize laureate to be announced on Thursday
President Metsola will announce the 2026 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought laureate on Thursday, following a decision by Parliament’s Conference of Presidents.
In a vote on Monday 19 October at 19.30, MEPs on the Committees on Foreign Affairs and Development will select three finalists for the 2026 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought from a list of nominations drawn up by the political groups in Parliament earlier in October.
On Thursday morning, Parliament’s Conference of Presidents (the EP President and political group leaders) will choose the 2026 laureate. President Roberta Metsola will then announce the laureate at around noon in the plenary chamber.
The award ceremony will take place on 16 December in Strasbourg.
Background
The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought has been awarded annually by Parliament since 1988, to individuals, groups or organisations in recognition of their outstanding commitment to human rights, freedom of expression or the defence of democratic values.