Got a Hot Story? The EU Wants to Give You €20,000 for It
The European Parliament is once again opening its wallet—and its heart—for journalists who aren’t afraid to ruffle some feathers. The sixth edition of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism is now accepting submissions, and if you’ve been doing the kind of reporting that makes corrupt officials nervous, this could be your moment.
Named after the Maltese journalist who was assassinated in 2017 for her anti-corruption work (because apparently some people really don’t like being exposed), the prize celebrates journalism that defends core EU values. You know, the boring stuff like human dignity, freedom, democracy, and not being terrible.
Show Me the Money
Here’s the deal: €20,000 is up for grabs for professional journalists or teams who’ve published hard-hitting work in EU-based media. An independent jury of press and civil society representatives will pick the winner, presumably while wearing very serious expressions and nodding thoughtfully.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola didn’t mince words: “Nine years since Daphne Caruana Galizia was brutally murdered, journalists around the world continue to be intimidated, threatened, and assassinated.” Nothing like a cheerful reminder that journalism can be a dangerous business.
Past Winners Weren’t Messing Around
Previous laureates include heavy hitters like the Pegasus Project (exposing global surveillance), investigations into missing child migrants, and reports on Russia’s shadow fleet. So if your entry is “10 Best Brussels Cafés,” you might want to aim higher.
The deadline is July 31, 2026, at midnight CET—which means you have plenty of time to finish that explosive investigation you’ve been sitting on. Submit at daphnejournalismprize.eu, and maybe start practicing your acceptance speech. Just remember to thank democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. They’re really into that stuff.