30 April 2026 Trinity College Dublin Student Charlie Swan was awarded the European Commission Award for Journalism Relating to European Affairs at the SMEDIA Awards held in the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin. The European Commission also provided a cash prize of €1,000 to accompany the prestigious award.
Charlie’s article for the University Times, Where will Europe Get Its Missiles?, explored the current security challenges for Europe and its defence supply, in the context of war in Ukraine. Charlie’s article also examined the implications of the US-Israeli war on Iran for Europe’s ability to access US weapons and outlined his arguments for a robust defence industry in Europe.
European Commission Award for Journalism Relating to EU Issues winner, Charlie Swan said; “I’m honoured to receive this prestigious award. My article reflects my deep passion for European affairs and concern over growing global instability, from Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine to the conflict in Iran and the decline in US relations. Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union presents a timely opportunity to debate and discuss security into the future. I’d like to encourage all young journalists to explore and report the important challenges ahead not only at national level but at European level too.”
The runner-ups in the category were Ainsley Ellis, with an article The Unclear Restrictions on AI Use by Law Enforcement exploring some of the difficulties in reconciling facial recognition technologies within European law and Carmen Gray of Queen’s University Belfast for her piece, Exporting Ethics: European Ethics Dumping Research Meets AI.
Head of the European Commission Representation in Ireland, Peter Power said: “Few subjects are as important and relevant as the need for a more autonomous European defence industry. Charlie Swan has articulated this brilliantly. We remain committed to supporting and inspiring the next generation of journalists, especially in European Affairs.”
The European Commission Award for Journalism Relating to European Affairs process is managed in Ireland by European Movement Ireland under a contract with the European Commission Representation in Ireland.