Since 2015, the state of Berlin has honoured outstanding voluntary commitment to Europe by Berliners with the "Blue Bear" Europe Prize. This commitment is intended to strengthen the European idea and European values such as dignity, freedom, equality, democracy and human rights. This is done in close cooperation with the European Commission Representation in Germany. The nominations and the award ceremony are intended to make this commitment visible and honour it. There is prize money totalling €7,500. Projects and ideas in the fields of art, culture, sport, music, social affairs, education and youth will be honoured. Whether individuals or groups, small or large, one-off or long-term projects - anyone can be nominated. The award figures have been donated by Dr Klaus Herlitz from Buddy Bär Berlin GmbH since 2015.