Rubén Amón, Ángeles Blanco and María Paz López, winners of the Salvador de Madariaga European Journalism Prize in 2026

This year marks the 32nd edition of the Salvador de Madariaga European Journalism Prize. The jury has just announced the winners of the 2026 edition, which coincides with the 40th anniversary of Spain’s accession to the European Union. The winner in the radio category is Rubén Amón, from Onda Cero; the winner in the television category is Ángeles Blanco, from Telecinco; and the winner in the print media category is María Paz López,La Vanguardia’s correspondentinBerlin. 

The jury’s deliberations

In the radio category, Rubén Amón represents, in the jury’s view, the convergence of journalism, public discourse and analysis. Throughout his career, he has stood out for integrating cultural analysis, an international perspective and solid European experience, enabling him to offer interpretative insights in a style that is his own and accessible to his audience.

In the television category, Ángeles Blanco has been honoured for her long career and her ongoing coverage of major European events, as well as for her commitment to rigorous and accessible reporting that has brought European affairs closer to millions of citizens.

 In the print media category, the jury highlighted María Paz López’s ability to convey European history, culture and values in her work through clear and direct language. The award recognises the quality of her work as a journalist who experiences first-hand the reality she writes about.

Members of the jury

The jury’s deliberations for the 32nd edition of the Prize took place at the headquarters of the Association of European Journalists on 23 March 2026,chaired by Arancha González Laya, former Minister for Foreign Affairs. The members of the jury were: Encarna Samitier, president of 20 minutos; Marta García Aller, director of thePAUSApodcastandcontributor to Onda Cero; Lluís Tovar, Tele 5 correspondent in Brussels; Jan Martínez Ahrens, editor-in-chief ofEl País; Xavier Mas de Xaxàs, diplomatic correspondent forLa Vanguardia; Javier García Vila, director of Europa Press; Amparo Polo, director of digital strategy atExpansión; Victoria Carvajal, columnist forThe Objective; Carlos Franganillo, presenter of Tele 5’s Informativo 2; Emilia Pérez, international editor at Agencia EFE; Joaquín Manso, editor-in-chief ofEl Mundo; Javier Martín Domínguez, vice-president of the Association of European International Journalists; Mar Domínguez, director of COLPISA; Alfonso Rodríguez, deputy editor ofABC; Daniel Gavela, former director of PRISA Radio; and Juan de Oñate, director of the APE. Miguel Ángel Aguilar, Secretary-General of the Association of European Journalists; María Andrés, Director of the European Parliament’s Office in Spain; and Daniel Calleja, Director of the European Commission’s Representation in Spain, acted as non-voting secretaries.

The Salvador de Madariaga European Journalism Prize

The prize, consisting of a diploma and a cash award of €15,000 in each category (print media, radio and television), is organised annually by the European Commission Representation in Spain and the Association of European Journalists, in collaboration with the European Parliament Office in Spain. The award recognises the work of journalism professionals whose work helps to shape a rigorous and well-informed public opinion regarding the European Union.

The award ceremony will take place on 18 June 2026 in the Paraninfo of the University of Cervera (Lleida).

More information: European Commission.