EU to Support the Media: Applications Open for the “EU Prize for Journalism 2024”

The Call for Applications is open until October 10, 2024. Apply here.

“How I Worked in a Chain of Grocery Stores and What I Learned About Employee Rights,” “The Endless Road to Abkhazia,” and “Lunch at School” are some of the works that won the “EU Prize for Journalism” in 2023. The titles alone showcase the variety and relevance of the topics featured in the competition every year.

For 13 years, the European Union has aimed to encourage highly professional and ethical journalism in Georgia through this special award, motivating media representatives, whose role is especially crucial in today’s era of massive information and disinformation. On the other hand the competition helps to increase public trust in responsible media.

“Reliable and fact-based journalism has never been more valuable than it is today, thus proper recognition of highly qualified journalistic works is essential. The EU Prize for Journalism has successfully provided this recognition for years. I am happy that the European Union is contributing to Georgia’s democratic development through promoting quality journalism“- says Pawel Herczynski, Ambassador of the European Union to Georgia.

A special jury will identify the winners of the EU prize in 7 categories this year:

1. Best story in print or online media;
2. Best feature story in broadcast or online media;
3. Best investigative story in print, online, or broadcast media;
4. Best blog, opinion or column in print, online or broadcast media;
5. The most innovative and original piece of work in print, broadcast or online media;
6. Best documentary photo reflecting shared values;
7. Best Student work in print, online or broadcast media.

Winners in each category will receive a cash prize.    

“Being a journalist in Georgia is not easy, as media representatives sometimes face even physical risks to gather materials. It is crucial to recognize and appreciate their work,”- says Sofo Megrelidze, a member of the 2023 jury.

Anastasia Bakhturidze, the 2023 winner in the Best Student Paper category, encourages her peers to participate in the competition.

“It’s a great incentive to make your mark, not only within the university but also on a larger scale, where a broader audience can see your work”.

The EU Prize for Journalism also serves as motivation for experienced journalists. Lana Kokaia, one of the 2023 winners, considers this prize the most important for her and her colleagues.

“I would compare this prize to the ‘Georgian Oscars’ for journalists. It is the highest award, and for me, it means more responsibility—to work harder and focus on important topics.”

The call for applications for the EU Prize for Journalism launched on May 3 and remains open before the deadline, 10 October 2024, 18:00 (Tbilisi time).

For more information and rules visit our website here.