Meet the Pool of Young Journalists - Edition 2026
Anda Elena Dutescu
“I live for the unheard voices in mosh pits and indie films, bridging European youth through authentic culture. I’m here to turn the volume up on a generation that refuses to be quiet.”
Andrijana Martačić
“Journalism was never part of my original plans, but through my studies, I came to realise that it is the only field I truly feel passionate about.”
Carolina Kuba
“I believe in journalism as a form of dialogue and see it as essential for shaping a brighter, more just future for everyone.”
Elisabetta Semeraro
“By joining the Pool of Young Journalists, I aim to cultivate my passion for journalism by combining storytelling with global politics and international affairs.”
Ella Pauwels
“I was born and raised in Brussels, a city often seen as Europe’s political capital (...) It is shaped by people, voices and everyday stories that deserve to be heard.”
Fani Apospori
“Through my journalistic work, I aim to cultivate belonging, connection and resilience by gathering people around facts and inviting them to build better futures.”
Giedrė Šapranauskaitė
“I am excited to be part of the 2026 Pool of Young Journalists in Europe, and this time I hope to connect with young people across the EU through my articles.”
Júlia Rita Gyarmati
“(...) my interests: politics, development, society, culture, languages, but above all, people and the stories they carry with them across borders.”
Karol Hejduk
“I’m interested in politics and I love getting to know different cultures, traditions and customs while travelling. I’m excited to work as a Young Journalist this year and hope to improve my storytelling skills!”
Marcos Yagüe
“For me, journalism is about bringing to light all those stories that never left a footprint, but did step on the soil.”
Michael Blaško
“My mission is to connect young people from small towns with opportunities that shape Europe's future.”
Nailah Casals de Vega
“In storytelling, I find a way to unite, confront deep fears, and nurture new dreams. Writing has become both a refuge and a battlefield, where I inch closer to defining its undeniable power.”
Oļesja Garjutkina
“My interests lie in EU policy, media literacy and youth participation, with a particular interest in how young people are represented on the decision‑making level both nationally and internationally.”
Raul Arning
“(...)I seek to write about issues that Europe’s youth face in these sectors. With film production being a hobby of mine, I want to contribute to the Pool of Journalists in various forms.”
Rusudan Janjalashvili
“I write about democracy, Georgian identity, Europe’s cultural diversity, and more - as we say in Georgia, the media is the light that must stay on.”
Tia Grgin
“I am an editor of the magazine "The Split Mind" and a competitive debater. In my free time, I volunteer, write poetry and prose, and organise events whenever I can.”
Zeynep Altundağ
“I focus on visual storytelling that supports journalism and international dialogue. I believe powerful journalism is not only about words, but also about visual impact.”