The 2026 European Charlemagne Youth Prize was awarded to three projects from Estonia, France, and Spain, aimed at boosting female democratic participation, combating misinformation, and improving relations with China. These projects promote democracy, active citizenship, and European cohesion among young people. The prize recognizes initiatives by individuals aged 16 to 30 with a strong EU dimension. Since 2008, over 7,600 projects have competed for the award. The ceremony precedes the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen presentation.