One year since the Strasbourg attacks, Antonio and Bartek guide the paths of young journalists

On the evening of 11 December 2018, Antonio Megalizzi and Bartek Orent-Niedzielski fell under fire during a terrorist attack in Strasbourg’s Christmas market. They left to everyone a legacy of strong attachment to the EU and its values, an example of inspiring journalism and responsible reporting on the European project.

Antonio and Bartek’s dedication has inspired the European Commission’s department for regional policy to establish the Megalizzi-Niedzielski prize for aspiring journalists, awarded for the first time during the 2019 edition of the European Week of Regions and Cities. The prize rewards and encourages promising journalists that share Antonio and Bartek’s enthusiasm for the European project.

Karolína Šimková from Czechia and Tea Mihanović from Croatia won the first edition of the prize in a ceremony that took place late October. Tea confessed after the awards ceremony:

   The most precious memory that I will always treasure from the EU Regions’ Week is the moment of meeting the families of Antonio and  Bartek. The words of Megalizzi's fiancée, Luana, will remain in my mind and written in my heart. After she explained how dedicated Antonio was to his profession, she said: “I hope you will stay dedicated to journalism and continue following in Antonio's footsteps“, which is a great motivation and a responsibility that I strongly promise to pursue!           

Karolína added that "winning a prize that commemorates Antonio and Bartek, the two brave and talented journalists, is a huge commitment for me to follow their steps." 

Every year from now on two aspiring journalists will receive the Megalizzi-Niedzielski prize. Antonio and Bartek’s dreams for quality, dedicated and honest young European journalism will thus come closer to fruition. And their memory will continue to live on, inspiring a huge community of journalists across and beyond our continent.