European Union Announces the 6th Edition of the Lina Ben Mhenni Award for Freedom of Expression
The European Union has announced the opening of the 6th edition of the Lina Ben Mhenni Award for Freedom of Expression, an award that aims to support and highlight the voices engaged in favor of human rights and independent journalism in Tunisia.
Eligibility and Criteria
The competition is open to Tunisian journalists, bloggers, and whistleblowers on an individual basis. Associations can also submit applications, provided that the submitted productions meet the set criteria. Through this award, the EU aims to promote works that defend freedom of expression, strengthen fundamental rights, and embody the common values shared with Tunisia.
Submission Guidelines
Applicants are invited to submit investigations, reports, investigative profiles, or audio and video productions, published or broadcast between January 1, 2025, and September 30, 2026. The works must be produced in Arabic, French, or English and address themes related to democracy, solidarity, or human rights (economic, social, or political) with a particular focus on freedom of expression.
- Written productions must not exceed 15,000 characters.
- Audio and video formats are limited to 20 minutes.
- Only original works, already published in the press, on blogs, or broadcast on audiovisual media, are eligible.
Selection Process and Award Ceremony
The winners will be announced on December 10, 2026, on the occasion of World Human Rights Day. Application files must be sent electronically before September 30, 2026, to the following address: DELEGATION-TUNISIA-LINA-BEN-MHENNI-PRIZE@eeas.europa.eu. Each submission must include the published work and the applicant's CV or, if applicable, the association's status. According to the announcement, personal data will be processed in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Jury and Award
The selection will be ensured by a multidisciplinary jury composed of journalists, media professionals, teachers, representatives of civil society, and a member of the European Union Delegation in Tunisia. Three contributions will be rewarded for their editorial quality, originality, and impact.
