Europe’s Most Innovative Political Projects Announced as Finalists for The Innovation in Politics Awards 2025
Press Release – Vienna, 28 May 2025
The Innovation in Politics Awards are proud to reveal the finalists of this year’s edition. From hundreds of submissions, a citizen jury of over 1,000 Europeans selected the most innovative initiatives across eight Award categories. Innovators from across Europe will come together at the Awards Conference & Gala in Vienna on 17 September, where the winners will be announced.
The finalists represent bold, forward-thinking projects from 22 countries, spanning diverse categories – from climate protection to public health, social cohesion, and tackling disinformation.
“These finalist projects are a reminder that even in turbulent times, innovation lights a path forward – through visionary ideas, dedication, and real impact,” said Miriam Hargašová, Head of Awards and Project Manager.
“In this year’s Awards, we observe an increasing number of collaborative projects between public administration and the private sector. This trend reflects the rising number of public challenges that governments cannot address on their own. These partnerships often focus on specific missions, such as creating circular economies or achieving emission reduction goals,” said Edward Strasser, CEO of The Innovation in Politics Institute.
Finalists to be Honoured at the Awards Conference & Gala in September
The Awards will culminate in The Innovation in Politics Awards Conference & Gala, taking place on September 17, 2025, in Vienna, the current European Capital of Democracy. This one-of-a-kind gathering brings together political innovators, decision-makers, and changemakers from across Europe.
“The Innovation in Politics Awards are a flagship event of the European Capital of Democracy year, spotlighting the people and projects tackling today’s challenges with innovative solutions. We look forward to welcoming and celebrating them in Vienna this September,” said Helfried Carl, Founder of the European Capital of Democracy.
The Awards Conference & Gala provides a space for exchange, inspiration, and celebration – a place to share ideas, connect across sectors, and honour those working to transform politics and society for the better. The event concludes with a festive Gala where the winners in each of the eight categories will be revealed.
About The Innovation in Politics Awards
Since 2017, The Innovation in Politics Awards have recognised courageous and creative political projects across Europe, regardless of party or level of government. The Awards highlight initiatives, big and small, that bring real-world improvements through forward-thinking solutions.
Each year, a jury of over 1,000 citizens from the Council of Europe member states selects the finalists and winners from hundreds of submissions.
The Innovation in Politics Awards are organised by the European Capital of Democracy (ECoD) NPO. In 2025, the Awards include eight categories: Democracy, Climate Protection, Circular Economy, Democracy Technologies, Local Development, Education, Social Cohesion & Integration, Public Health & Ageing Society.
For more details on the Awards, finalists, and the upcoming ceremony, visit: awards.innovationinpolitics.eu
