[size=2][color=#42a6c6]HISTORY of The Award [/color][color=#000000]The history of the Samir Kassir Award for Freedom of the Press dates back to 2005 when the European Commission first announced on 7 October 2005, the establishment of this European Union Award during a press conference held in Beirut.[/color] [color=#000000]This European Union initiative from the very beginning was embraced and supported by friends of Samir Kassir who, on 1 February 2006, launched the Samir Kassir Foundation. The award aims to “legitimise freedom of thought and encourage freedom of the press in countries that have committed to the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership, in order to assert their rejection of violence, intimidation, threats and recurring and consistent attempts to curtain freedom of expression.”[/color] [color=#000000]The first Award ceremony was held on 2 June 2006, on the first anniversary of Samir Kassir’s assassination. During that first edition, two journalists received the prize. In 2007 and 2008, the Samir Kassir Award was divided into two categories: best article and best master’s thesis. Over the years, the award evolved and from 2009 to 2012, it focused exclusively on print journalism, particularly best opinion article and best investigative article. In 2013, a third category was added: best audiovisual news report. In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the announcement of the results was postponed till September 10 during a special televised prime-time show. [/color] [color=#000000]Every year the Award jury is composed by seven different people of different nationalities and backgrounds. Four members of the jury originate from the Arab world and three from European Union Member States. Members of the jury among others have included journalists, media professionals, human rights investigators and experts, researchers, civil society and former government representatives recognized for their contribution to advancing human rights causes.[/color] [color=#000000]The Award has since become the most prestigious journalism award in the Middle East, North Africa and Gulf region and is recognized globally as one of the top journalism awards.[/color] [/size] [color=#42a6c6][size=2]REGULATION[/size][/color] [ul] [li][color=#000000][size=2]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.[/size][/color][/li] [li][color=#000000][size=2]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.[/size][/color][/li] [li][color=#000000][size=2]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).[/size][/color][/li] [li][color=#000000][size=2]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.[/size][/color][/li] [li][color=#000000][size=2]The article must not exceed 25,000 characters and must have been published between March 16, 2022, and March 15, 2023.[/size][/color][/li] [li][color=#000000][size=2]The report must not exceed seven minutes and must have been released between March 16, 2022, and March 15, 2023.[/size][/color][/li] [li][color=#000000][size=2]The winner in each of the three categories will be awarded €10,000.[/size][/color][/li] [li][color=#000000][size=2]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.[/size][/color][/li] [li][color=#000000][size=2]Members of the jury, the staff of the European Union, and staff and members of the Samir Kassir Foundation are excluded from the contest.[/size][/color][/li] [/ul] [color=#42a6c6][size=2]REGISTRATION[/size][/color] [color=#000000][size=2]Each candidate is to register through the below link. To complete the online registration, make sure you provide:[/size][/color] [ol] [li][color=#000000][size=2]Your personal information, which will be treated according to the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation rules.[/size][/color][/li] [li][color=#000000][size=2]The entire published article in its original form as well as a copy translated into English (the use of Google Translate or any other automatic translation tool is strictly forbidden) or the link to the original audiovisual news report in its original form with English subtitles and/or an English translation or description of the report.[/size][/color][/li] [li][color=#000000][size=2]A proof of publication or broadcast (link to the original copy or broadcast, or photocopy of the published article, or a letter proving the authenticity of the publication/broadcast, signed by the person in charge of the media outlet or their representative).[/size][/color][/li] [li][color=#000000][size=2]A resume. [/size][/color][/li] [/ol] [color=#000000][size=2]Three awards will be granted for:[/size][/color] [ul] [li][color=#000000][size=2]Best opinion article[/size][/color][/li] [li][color=#000000][size=2]Best investigative article[/size][/color][/li] [li][color=#000000][size=2]Best audiovisual news report[/size][/color][/li] [/ul] [color=#000000][size=2]Completed applications with all submission materials must be sent by April 1, 2023 at the latest. Incomplete files will not be accepted. [/size][/color]