European Ombudswoman Teresa Anjinho has opened nominations for the fifth edition of the Award for Good Administration.

The Award is open to EU projects by teams in any EU institution, body, office, or agency. Nominations can be made by EU staff, citizens, businesses, associations, or by civil society groups.

"The Award for Good Administration is a wonderful opportunity to show how the EU administration makes a meaningful impact on people's lives across Europe. By highlighting projects that truly make a difference in the daily lives of citizens, we reward the initiatives that can strengthen the bond between European citizens and EU institutions. I encourage anyone who knows of an inspiring project deserving recognition to consider nominating it for the Award," said Ombudswoman Anjinho.

Entries will be judged against the core principles of good public administration. Categories for the award submissions include excellence in technological innovation and the use of AI, excellence in citizen/civil society participation, excellence in diversity and inclusion, and excellence in open administration.

An advisory committee will draw up a short-list with the European Ombudswoman selecting the winners and announcing them at a special ceremony in June 2026. There will also be an online public vote for the most popular project.

The previous edition, held in 2023, saw 57 nominees and eight awards handed out to exemplary projects. The overall winner was Eurojust and the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court for their project helping civil society document war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The rules of procedure and the submission form for the award are available on the European Ombudsman website. The nomination period opens on 15 October 2025 and closes on 16 January 2026. Nominated projects should concern the period January 2023 - December 2025.