The European Union is committed to defending and promoting the freedom of the press. To quote the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, it is “a universal mission that knows no borders.”

The Samir Kassir Award is one of many expressions of our commitment to press freedom. Over the years, it has become a reference for thousands of journalists in the region who investigate or speak out on democracy, human rights, good governance and civic engagement. The Award has also given a voice to brave women journalists, who face even more intimidation and harassment than their male colleagues do.

Candidates must submit an opinion article, an investigative article, or an audiovisual news report centered around one or more of the following topics: rule of law, human rights, good governance, fight against corruption, freedom of expression, democratic development, or citizen participation.

The contest is open to journalists nationals of the following countries: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq,  Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.*

The submitted article must have been published in a print or online media outlet in one of the countries listed above or in one of the European Union Member States (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia,  Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden).

The audiovisual news report must have been aired on a local or satellite television network or released on an online television network in one of the countries listed above or in one of the European Union Member States.

The article must not exceed 25,000 characters and must have been published between March 16, 2023, and March 15, 2024.

The report must not exceed seven minutes and must have been released between March 16, 2023, and March 15, 2024.

The winner in each of the three categories will be awarded €10,000.

The selection will be done by a jury composed of journalists and media professionals coming from the EU Member States and the participating countries listed above.

Members of the jury, the staff of the European Union, and staff and members of the Samir Kassir Foundation are excluded from the contest.