What do cabaret artist Emil Steinberger, former Federal Councillor Arnold Koller, Circus Knie and legal scholar Eva Maria Belser have in common? All four have received the Federalism Award in recognition of their services to federalism and internal cohesion in Switzerland.

The prize was initiated by the ch Foundation and has been awarded annually since 2014. The names of the prize winners are engraved on a plaque in the entrance area of the House of the Cantons in Bern.

With the Federalism Prize, the ch Foundation honours individuals and organisations (associations, etc.) who are committed to federalism and internal cohesion in Switzerland. Political, civil society, scientific and cultural engagement are all taken into account. To be eligible for the Federalism Prize, candidates must meet at least one of the following criteria:

- Communication: Highlighting the advantages and special features of Swiss federalism;

- Innovation: Initiating a constructive debate on Swiss federalism or strengthening it in innovative ways;

- Participation: Promoting engagement and participation, especially at local, regional and cantonal level;

- Tradition: Raising awareness of the historical evolution of federalism in Switzerland;

- Cohesion: promoting coexistence and understanding between Switzerland's different language communities and respect for minorities.

Call 2026

The call for entries for the 2026 Federalism Prize is open until 28 February 2026. Any person or organisation based in Switzerland can apply for the prize, even if they have already participated in a previous edition. Nominations are also very welcome. The prize cannot be awarded twice to the same person or organisation. The winner will be selected by a jury composed of representatives from politics, civil society, academia and culture. The prize is worth CHF 10,000.

To the application form

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