Salvador de Madariaga 2026 Prize Winners Announced in Spain. The winners of the prestigious Salvador de Madariaga Prize have been announced for 2026. For the first time, the awards ceremony coincided with the 40th anniversary of Spain’s EU membership. The winners were recognized for their contributions to covering European issues.
Winners of the XXXII Salvador de Madariaga European Journalism Award have been announced in Spain. In 2026, the ceremony takes place on the 40th anniversary of the country's accession to the European Union, giving the event special significance for national media and the professional community.
Winners and their contributions
In the radio category, the award went to Rubén Amón (Onda Cero). The jury highlighted his ability to combine journalism, deep analysis, and an international perspective, as well as his distinctive approach to presenting European topics. In the television category, Ángeles Blanco (Telecinco) was recognized for her longstanding work and systematic coverage of key events in Europe, making complex information accessible for millions of viewers. In the print media category, María Paz López, La Vanguardia's correspondent in Berlin, won. The experts emphasized her ability to clearly and accurately convey European history, culture, and values, drawing on her personal experience living in the region.
Jury composition and selection details
The jury met on March 23, 2026, at the headquarters of the Asociación Periodistas Europeos. The meeting was chaired by Arancha González Laya, former foreign minister. The commission included leaders and top journalists from Spain's major media outlets: Encarna Samitier (20minutos), Marta García Aller (PAUSA, Onda Cero), Lluís Tovar (Telecinco, Brussels), Jan Martínez Ahrens (El País), Xavier Mas de Xaxàs (La Vanguardia), Javier García Vila (Europa Press), Amparo Polo (Expansión), Victoria Carvajal (The Objective), Carlos Franganillo (Telecinco), Emilia Pérez (Agencia EFE), Joaquín Manso (El Mundo), Javier Martín Domínguez (Asociación de Periodistas Europeos Internacional), Mar Domínguez (COLPISA), Alfonso Rodríguez (ABC), Daniel Gavela (PRISA Radio), Juan de Oñate (APE). The non-voting secretaries were Miguel Ángel Aguilar, María Andrés, and Daniel Calleja.
The award and the ceremony
Each laureate will receive a diploma and €15,000. The award is established by the Representation of the European Commission in Spain and the Asociación de Periodistas Europeos, with the support of the European Parliament’s Office in the country. The main goal is to encourage journalists who provide objective and in-depth coverage of EU processes. The official ceremony will take place on June 18, 2026, in the historic building of the University of Cervera (Lleida).
Context and significance
The Salvador de Madariaga Award is considered one of the most prestigious in Spanish journalism, especially in the area of European topics. This year, its presentation coincided with an important date for the country, emphasizing the role of the media in shaping public opinion on European integration. Attention to professional standards and transparency in the selection process remains key to trust in the results. Issues of independence and quality in Spanish journalism are discussed not only in relation to awards but also against the backdrop of other high-profile events, such as during the mayoral change in Soria, when the mass resignation of the socialists sparked debates about procedural transparency.
