The winners of the Megalizzi–Niedzielski Award 2025
This year, we once again took part in the Megalizzi–Niedzielski Award ceremony, which celebrates young European journalists committed to promoting the values of the European Union.
The 2025 ceremony took place on Tuesday, October 14 as part of European Week of Regions and Cities.
This year, from over 500 entries and 11 finalists, the winners are:
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Hildegard Leloué, winner of the Pen Award, for her dedication to quality journalism;
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Elisa Ortuso, winner of the Lens Award, for her highly impactful audiovisual contribution;
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Sarah Costes, winner of the Frame Award (audience award), for visually conveying the spirit of projects funded by the European Union.
The Megalizzi–Niedzielski Prize is awarded annually to young participants in the Youth4Regions program, which is dedicated to aspiring European journalists.
A jury from the European Commission awards two prizes based on commitment to EU values and the quality of the work submitted, while a third prize is awarded by the public to a young photojournalist through an online vote.
The award honour the memory of Antonio Megalizzi and Bartosz Orent-Niedzielski, young European journalists who embodied a passion for information, Europe and its fundamental values.
As Themis Christophidou, Director-General of DG REGIO, recalled during the ceremony:
“Tonight we do more than just hand out awards. We gather to celebrate journalism, but also to defend it. Journalism is the light that keeps power accountable and is the bridge to Europeans.”
With our participation, we renew our commitment to supporting free, courageous and European journalism, which Antonio and Bartek represented with their voices and their vision of a united, open and aware Europe.
