Ambassador Carl Hartzell emphasized the importance of the EU Prize: “The 10th anniversary of the EU Journalism Prize is taking place against the backdrop of war in Europe. An unprovoked and unjustified war waged by Russia against Ukraine.

While we are in no mood for celebration this year, our desire to pay tribute to professional, honest and courageous media is stronger than ever.

This year we mark the 3rd of May Press Freedom Day as Ukrainian journalists sacrifice their lives to share the truth about Russia’s barbaric actions. And as Russia has further restrained its press freedom and is feeding its population with disinformation and propaganda.
The purpose of the EU Prize for Journalism has probably never been more relevant than now, as we have stronger reasons than ever to value those who serve the truth with strong ethics and professionalism.

In support of this objective, I am proud to launch the 11th edition of the EU Journalism Prize today. As always, we hope that this Prize will serve to recognise and inspire experienced journalists as well as to attract newcomers to this very important profession.”

Ambassador Marek Szczygieł, Head of the European Union Monitoring Mission: “The EUMM Special Prize for Peace Journalism is more relevant than ever in light of the ongoing Russian aggression on Ukraine. This is a tragic reminder that peace in Europe cannot be taken for granted. With their conflict-sensitive reporting, journalists can contribute to confidence-building and conflict-resolution. With our annual EUMM Peace Prize, we celebrate journalists who, with their stories, improve the prospects for peace in Georgia and the wider region”.  

The winners and finalists of the EU Prize for Journalism 2021 are:

A: Best story in print or online media
Winner: Tamar Babuadze (Indigo)
Honourable mentions: Nino Lomadze, Maradia Tsaava
B: Best feature story in broadcast or online media
Winner: Anastasia Slovinskaia (Radio Liberty) 
Honourable mentions:  Gvantsa Nadibaidze, Ana Maskharashvili
C: Best investigative story in print, online, or broadcast media
Winner: Zurab Modebadze (Liberty Monitor)
Honourable mentions: Tskriala Shermadini, Nino Ramishvili 
D: Best online or print blog, opinion or column in print, online or broadcast media
Winner: Khatia Ghoghoberidze (On.ge)
Honourable mentions: Kamran Mamedli, Tea Topuria
E: The most innovative and original piece of work in print, broadcast or online media
Winner: Tinatin Nachkebia (Indigo) 
Honourable mentions: Nata Tabidze, Ketevan Tutberidze
F: Best documentary photo reflecting EU values
Winner: Giorgi Shengelia (Indigo)
Honourable mentions: Sophio Mdivnishvili, Saba Gorgodze
G: Best conflict-sensitive journalistic work (EUMM special prize)
Winner: Zviad Mchedlishvili (newscaucasus.com)
Honourable mentions: Oktiabrina Tsikoridze, Suliko Tsitsikashvili, Mariam Jatchvadze. 

The winners of the first six categories will receive a cash prize of approximately 6 000 GEL each, while the winner of the EUMM Special Prize will receive a one-month fellowship at the Institute of War and Peace Reporting in London. 

The winning works can be found at www.euprizejournalism.eu

About the EU Prize for Journalism 2021:
155 journalists and photographers, who published their works in the online, broadcast and print media between 15 December, 2020 and 30 November, 2021, submitted them for the EU Prize for Journalism 2021. 

All entries were reviewed and assessed by a four-member jury, composed of local and international media professionals:

• Natia Abramia- Manager of Quality Control and Risk Management for the British Broadcasting Corporation, BBC. She has 20 years of experience working in Georgian and international media. At various times, since 2006, she has been the Editor of the BBC World News Radio, TV, Online and Social Platforms. After the announcement of the Brexit referendum in 2016, Natia Abramia was the producer of the BBC’s main political show – “Newsnight”. Currently, her job is to optimize the operations and resources of BBC and to increase management efficiency.
• Nana Sajaia- is an award-winning journalist and producer with a focus on the Post-Soviet region. A native of Georgia, currently she is a producer at the Fox News politics unit in the D.C Bureau. Nana has previously worked as an International Broadcaster at the Voice of America Georgian Service, where she covered Georgia and Eurasia-related topics for different media platforms in Georgian and English languages. She has extensively reported on major regional political developments, elections in Georgia and Ukraine, Russia’s occupation of Georgian territories, U.S.-Georgia relations, Eastern European partnership, NATO enlargement, and Kremlin disinformation in the Caucasus and Eurasia. Nana received a BA in English language from Tbilisi State University, and an MA in journalism and media management from Georgian Institute of Public Affairs (GIPA). In 2007 she was selected as a Edmund S. Muskie Graduate Fellow and did her Master’s studies in Journalism and Mass Communication at North Dakota State University. Nana has been practicing journalism for more than ten years now, served as an editor of local publications such as Georgia Today and weekly political magazine Liberali, and has worked for international media outlets in the region such as BBC World Service, France 24, and TOL. Before joining Fox News, Nana was a researcher at PEN American Center – a worldwide association of writers, defending freedom of expression and supporting persecuted writers.
• Lia Chakhunashvili- Over the past 20 years, Lia Chakhunashvili has managed several major media development programs in Georgia, when working at IREX and at BBC World Service Trust. She studied journalism at Tbilisi State University and earned a graduate degree in mass communications at San Jose State University. In 2007-2009, Lia Chakhunashvili was Dean at Caucasus School of Media, Caucasus University, and in 2010-2011 she was a member of the Public Broadcaster Board of Trustees.
• Guram Tsibakhashvili - A photographer. Has been delivering lectures in photography since 1991.  Has participated in up to 60 exhibitions, including up to 20 personal ones. Has published articles on photography and contemporary art. Photo Editor of the Magazine “Amarta” since 1999 - 2007. Co-founder of "Tbilisi Photography House" since 2007. Invited Lecturer on the History of Photography at two Georgian universities (Tbilisi State University, Caucasus University).

The jury had a consultative function while the final decisions were made by the EU Delegation and the EUMM.

More information is available at www.euprizejournalism.ge

Contact person: 
Tamriko Mikadze
Press and Information Officer
Delegation of the European Union to Georgia
Tamriko.Mikadze@eeas.europa.eu