Voices Awards
FAQs
Eligibility and applications
Who is eligible to apply for the Voices Awards?
Applicants can be either natural persons (individuals) or legal entities (public or private bodies). This includes media outlets, freelance journalists, journalism students, trainees, and individuals or groups active in media literacy.
I am not a journalist; can I still apply?
Yes. Applicants engaged in media literacy activities or other relevant fields are welcome to apply as individuals or groups.
Are there any geographical restrictions?
Yes. Applicants must be legally residing or established in the 27 EU Member States or the following countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Türkiye, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine.
(Note: For the Lorenzo Natali Prize specifically, entries can only be submitted by those residing or established outside the EU27).
Are there any ineligible entities?
Yes. Online retailers, search services, portal sites, and advertising sites are not eligible. Additionally, previous VOICES Award winners, members of the Jury (Advisory Board), and the Voices Consortium cannot apply.
Can I submit multiple applications for different categories?
Each applicant may submit only one entry per category. The same entry may not be submitted in more than one category. For any clarifications, please contact voices.festival@eui.eu.
If a project has multiple authors, how should we apply?
Only one of the authors should submit the entry on behalf of the group. The submitting author must include a signed self-declaration confirming that all co-authors are aware of and consent to the submission.
Should I apply as an individual or as an institution?
If you wish for your organization to be the recognized awardee, you must apply as a legal entity. If you apply as an individual, the award is personal. Please note that this choice is final and cannot be changed after submission. If applying as a legal entity, the prize will be transferred to the organisation's bank account; individual bank accounts are not accepted for institutional awardees. We strongly encourage applicants to carefully consider these aspects before applying.
Content and technical requirements
What kind of work can I submit?
Entries must focus on current news and public affairs, emphasizing public interest and democratic relevance. The work must have been produced and made publicly available between June 2025 and the publication of the call.
Is there a specific theme for this edition?
No, there is no specific theme. The scope of "current news and public affairs" is understood broadly: entries may address ongoing situations, systemic issues, or underreported stories, as long as the work demonstrates a clear emphasis on public interest and democratic relevance.
Can I submit a project in its original language with English subtitles?
Yes, English subtitles are perfectly acceptable.
My work is a book or long-form material in a language other than English. Do I need to translate it all?
No. You should translate the specific sections that best demonstrate how your work meets the selection criteria. You must also provide a summary outlining the main points, results, and impact to allow the Jury to verify the material.
Can I use AI tools for translations?
Yes. AI-assisted translation tools may be used, provided that their use is clearly stated in the application and that the translated content is reviewed and verified for accuracy before submission.
Can I submit work that was previously published on another platform?
Yes, previous publication on other platforms does not affect the eligibility of your submission.
Ceremony and prizes
When and how is the prize awarded?
Awardees will receive the prize only after the official event has taken place.
How will the prize be paid?
The monetary prize will be transferred directly to a bank account. Cash payments are not available. Following receipt of an award letter from the EUI, awardees will be asked to confirm their participation and provide their bank details. The disbursement of the prize is subject to this official confirmation.
Do I need to attend the ceremony in person?
If you apply as an individual, you must be present at the ceremony to receive the award. You cannot send a representative from your institution to accept the award in your place. If you apply as a legal entity, an authorised representative of the organisation must attend the ceremony. The award cannot be collected by an unauthorised third party.
If a project has multiple authors, who receives the prize?
The prize will be granted to the applicant who submitted the entry. It will be their responsibility to share it with the other team members.
Process and communication
When will I know if I have been selected?
Selected candidates will be notified by October 10th 2026.
Will I receive feedback on my application?
Shortlisted applicants who are not selected as winners will receive written feedback compiled from reviewer comments. Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to provide specific feedback to applicants who are not shortlisted.
How can I file a formal complaint?
Formal complaints should be sent via email to voices.festival@eui.eu.
What should I do if I have a conflict of interest?
Any connections with members of the Jury or the Voices Consortium, as well as any potential conflicts of interest, must be declared during the application process.
Who can I contact for further questions?
Please do not hesitate to reach us at voices.festival@eui.eu.
Come to
Thessaloniki as an awardee!
Voices is granting awards to young journalists and media freedom advocates to participate in the festival’s upcoming edition.
