‘European Guanxi’, the Spanish winner of the 2026 European Charlemagne Youth Prize

The ‘European Guanxi’ project is the winner of the 2026 European Charlemagne Youth Prize in Spain. This initiative, driven by young professionals, researchers and students, aims to strengthen dialogue and understanding between Europe and China through analysis, debate and networking.

Founded in Barcelona in September 2020 and with a presence across Europe and China, the platform promotes spaces for discussion on international relations through articles, events, conferences and a podcast, giving a voice to a new generation interested in the EU’s strategic role on the global stage.

The very name “European Guanxi” embodies the purpose of this organisation. Although the term “关系” (guānxi) can be translated as “relationship” or “connection”, its meaning is deeper and its significance stems from the historical centrality of personal networks in Chinese social life. Given that cultivating enriching relationships requires the willingness and effort to actively listen to and understand one another, this initiative promotes and actively works towards achieving greater levels of mutual understanding, trust and cooperation between the European Union and China.

‘European Guanxi’ is one of the 27 national winners of the Charlemagne Youth Prize, announced on Tuesday. Through this prize, the European Parliament and the Aachen International Charlemagne Prize Foundation seek to recognise projects led by young Europeans committed to democracy, civic participation and the building of a common European identity.

The Spanish jury for the Charlemagne Youth Prize consisted of MEPs Maravillas Abadía (EPP) and Sandra Gómez (S&D), as well as Irene Martín, president of AIESEC Spain, representing civil society. In total, 44 applications were received, of which 25 met the criteria and were assessed.

Once the national winners have been selected, the European jury – comprising the President of the European Parliament, MEPs, representatives of the Aachen International Charlemagne Prize Foundation and representatives from the youth sector – will select the three winning European projects, which will be announced on 12 May at a ceremony to be held in Aachen (Germany).

Background

The European Charlemagne Youth Prize has been awarded annually since 2008 to youth-led projects that promote European and international understanding, with the aim of highlighting the daily work of young people across Europe to strengthen democracy.

The first prize is worth €7,500; the second, €5,000; and the third, €2,500. In addition, the three finalists will have the opportunity to visit the European Parliament in Brussels or Strasbourg, and one representative from each winning European project will be eligible for a Schuman internship.

To be eligible, projects must be submitted by a person residing in one of the 27 Member States and aged between 16 and 30 at the time of application. Furthermore, the project must have delivered results in areas such as promoting cooperation and understanding both across Europe and internationally, fostering a shared sense of European identity and integration, encouraging other young Europeans to participate in our democracy, or providing practical examples of Europeans living together in community.

For further information: European Parliament