Resolution on the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Andrei Sakharov
In 1975, Andrei Sakharov was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, a decision which was applauded by the European Parliament in this resolution, which also condemns the refusal of the Soviet authorities to enable Sakharov to attend the award ceremony.
Download the resolution here (also available in Danish, Dutch, French, German and Italian).
The European Parliament and the arrest of Sakharov by Soviet authorities
Sakharov was arrested by Soviet authorities in February 1980. In "entire solidarity with Andrei Sakharov", Parliament expressed its concern about Soviet oppresssion and the impact on détente measures in a resolution and proposed measures to be taken in response by the European Economic Community.
Download the resolution here (also available in Danish, Dutch, French, German, and Italian).
Temporary exhibition “Andrei Sakharov: Scientist, Dissident, Human Rights Activist” at the Parliamentarium, the European Parliament's visitor centre © European Union 2021 – European Parliament
Resolution on the creation of the Sakharov Prize
On 13 December 1985, the European Parliament passed a resolution creating the 'Sakharov Prize' for freedom of thought.
Download the resolution here (also available in Danish, Dutch, French, German, Greek and Italian).
"I accept the idea as an important act of appreciation of my work in the defence of human rights": a letter from Sakharov to MEP Lord Bethell
In this letter, Sakharov talks about the establishment of the prize in his name.
Download it here (also available in Danish, Dutch, French, German and Italian).
Communication to the Members of the European Parliament on the first Sakharov Prize
The inaugural Sakharov Prize ceremony took place in 1988.
Download the notice to the Members of the European Parliament announcing this first-time awarding of the prize here (in English, French, German and Italian).
Footage of the first Sakharov Prize ceremony in 1988, presided by Lord Henry Plumb. The prize was awarded to Anatoli Marchenko (posthumously) and Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (in absentia) © European UnionDeveloping the Sakharov Prize
This 2001 letter from the Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common Security and Defence Policy, MEP Elmar Brok to EP President Nicole Fontaine proposes widening the scope of the Sakharov Prize.
Download it in English, French, German and Spanish (note: the Annexes are not available in the English version).
The new statute for the Sakharov Prize
Changes to the criteria for the Sakharov Prize in a statute adopted in May 2003 gave a broader definition to the work for human rights which could be awarded the Prize and reformed the nomination and support procedures for MEPs.
Download it here (FR only).
The 1988 Sakharov Prize is awarded to Anatoli Marchenko, represented by his widow Larisa Bogoraz, and Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, represented by his grandson Mandla Mandela © European Communities 1988 – European Parliament