Silver Rose is the annual Award ceremony co-organised by SOLIDAR and its members and the progressive family, with the S&D Group in the European Parliament, the Party of European Socialists (PES), Foundation of European Progressive Studies (FEPS) and this year in collaboration with the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), Young European Socialists (YES), and PES Women. With the Silver Rose Award, we highlight the work of people and organisations fighting for social justice and advancing a just transition. Additionally, this year, we are honouring a true champion of social justice with the introduction of the SOLIDAR Legacy Prize for Social Justice to an exceptional individual who has been at the forefront of advancing social justice globally.

For more than 20 years, the Silver Rose Awards has been celebrating Civil Society Organisations, Trade Unions and individuals whose extraordinary struggles contribute greatly to social justice and solidarity worldwide. The collectives, movements, activists, and civil society organisations we have awarded for their long-lasting commitment to social justice in their respective communities, often do so at great risk. The Lifetime Achievement Award is our way to acknowledge and celebrate the efforts and struggles in promoting and defending values we hold close to our hearts and that guide our work as progressives every day.

This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award goes to Mr Nicolas Schmit.

Nicolas Schmit is awarded the 2024 Silver Rose Lifetime Achievement Award for his unparalleled dedication to advancing social justice, equality, and the well-being of people across Europe. Throughout his distinguished career, Schmit has been a tireless advocate for the rights of workers, young people, and vulnerable communities, championing policies that promote fairness, dignity, and opportunity for all.

From his early work as a diplomat and civil servant contributing to key European treaties to his transformative leadership as Luxembourg’s Minister for Labour and European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, Schmit has consistently fought to protect and strengthen Europe’s social fabric. His leadership during the financial crisis, his bold reforms in labour and social policy, and his pivotal role in shaping Europe’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic have left a lasting legacy. As a visionary leader, Schmit has been at the forefront of the fight for gender equality, youth empowerment, and the defence of social democracy, proving that progressive politics can make a real difference in people’s lives. The Silver Rose Awards proudly recognises his lifetime of service to social justice and his unwavering commitment to building a better, more inclusive Europe.

The Silver Rose Jury’s Motivation reads: 

“The Silver Rose Lifetime Achievement Award 2024 is proudly presented to Mr. Nicolas Schmit in honour of his outstanding contributions as a Luxembourgish diplomat, Minister, European Commissioner, and Spitzenkandidat for the Socialists and Democrats in the EU elections campaign 2024″.

A true product of European history, Nicolas Schmit has dedicated his career to building a Europe rooted in democracy, freedom, and solidarity. His unwavering commitment to a Social Europe has left an indelible mark on the European project.

Throughout his illustrious career at both national and European levels, Nicolas Schmit has tirelessly advocated for improving working conditions and creating opportunities for all. Under his leadership, the European Union achieved groundbreaking progress in social policy— for fairer wages, advancing rights for platform workers, empowering young people, and much more. These transformative achievements reflect his steadfast dedication to social justice and equality. At every turn, Nicolas Schmit has demonstrated that progressive politics can drive meaningful change and improve lives. His work reminds us of the power of conviction and dedication, inspiring us all to continue striving for a more just and inclusive Europe.

“I am very grateful and honored to receive this award. I hope that it will contribute to consolidating and strengthening what we have achieved together on Social Europe. Because it is clear that Europe needs to be social, otherwise it will not be.”

Nicolas Schmit