Once again, the Prison Achievement Award received various applications that showcased an impressive range of innovative and impactful initiatives from across Europe. After reviewing applications coming from all over Europe, a Selection Board (3 EuroPris Board members, 1 international expert) selected the Top 5 applications of 2025. The chosen applicants were then asked to put together introductory videos about their initiatives, which were then shown at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 23 September 2025 in Krakow, Poland. The Director Generals who attended the AGM were then able to vote on a winner through ranking the candidates’ initiatives.
We are happy to announce that the winner for this year went to Türkiye’s Sivrice Woman Open Prison for their initiative, “Where There’s Life, There’s Hope”. This ground-breaking project has transformed the prison environment by creating a rehabilitative space that promotes the therapeutic use of natural elements, such as the sound of flowing water and more open and green spaces. We were proud to learn that the initiative is a global first in offering holistic support to female inmates and children living with their mothers, focusing on physical, mental and psychological well-being, while fostering adaptation to collective life.
You can see the full list of nominees and read the abstract summaries of their initiatives by clicking the button below.
View the shortlist videos from the Top 5 Nominees of this year:
You can view the former editions of the Prison Achievement Award below. Each page includes summaries of past winners, the top five candidates, and additional details about that year’s award.