On World Press Freedom Day, 3 May, the European Parliament officially issued a call for applications for the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism.

 · An annual award for outstanding journalistic work that promotes or defends the fundamental values ​​of the EU

· The winner is decided by an independent jury composed of representatives of the media and civil society

· The prize includes a sum of 20 thousand euros

· The award ceremony will take place in mid-October, on the anniversary of the assassination of Daphne Caruana of Galicia

The prize is awarded each year in recognition of outstanding journalistic work that promotes or defends the fundamental values ​​of the European Union, such as human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and human rights.

The President of the European Parliament, Robert Metsola, said: “The message of the European Parliament is clear: Europe stands by those who seek the truth. Daphne's pen was silenced as she revealed the truth. We must not allow journalists to become targets or victims. With this award, the European Parliament will continue to defend freedom of speech, media pluralism and quality journalism, and help pass these values ​​on to future generations. "

To participate in the selection for the award, which is open to professional journalists and teams of professional journalists, it is necessary to submit investigative journalistic papers published or broadcast in the media based in one of the 27 EU Member States. The award aims to emphasize the importance of professional journalism for the preservation of freedom and equality.

The best work will be selected by an independent jury made up of representatives of the media and civil society from the 27 Member States and representatives of major European journalists' associations. The award ceremony will take place each year around October 16, the day Daphne Caruana Galizia was assassinated.

The award and the € 20,000 accompanying it testify to the European Parliament's strong support for investigative journalism and the importance of media freedom.

Over the last few years, Parliament has warned of attempts to jeopardize media pluralism inside and outside the EU. Deputies condemned the attacks on journalists, especially politicians, and called on the Commission to propose legislation against the abuse of lawsuits. On April 27, a proposal was announced to resolve malicious lawsuits against journalists and activists.

Journalists can submit their papers on the website https://daphnejournalismprize.eu/.

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