Journalists Andreea Esca, Cristian Lupascu, Mario H. Balint, and Doina Dabija from Chisinau, the daughter of Moldovan writer and politician Nicolae Dabija, are among the winners of the Romanian Professional Journalists' Union (UZPR) 2025 Awards Gala. The prizes were presented on Monday evening during a gala held at the 'Ion Creanga' Theatre in Bucharest.

Victor Negrescu, Vice-President of the European Parliament, sent a message highlighting the importance of journalism in today's world.

'We are talking about the fourth power in a democracy, and I am convinced that in the years to come journalism will continue to have the same impact it has had throughout Romania's democratic transition. In this sense, we must ensure that journalists are supported, that this profession continues to receive proper professional recognition, and that quality journalism remains firmly sustained,' said the MEP.

Dan Constantin, President of the UZPR, thanked the public, without whom the profession of journalist 'cannot exist.'

'They are our readers, our viewers, those who listen to us on the radio. From this point of view, we can say that the Union of Journalists has a media hub - it already exists. We have a magazine that celebrates 10 years since its first edition, a radio station, a website with more than one million visits, and a publishing house. Moreover, there are numerous publications issued under the aegis of the UZPR. Therefore, tonight we honour those who are in this ‘boat' of Romanian journalism - not only within the country's borders but also across the Romanian-speaking world. We are joined here tonight not as guests, but as members of our Union, by journalists from Austria, the Republic of Moldova, and Serbia, as well as journalists working in Spain and Italy,' said Dan Constantin.

The judging panel for the awards consisted of Ruxandra Sararu (Chairwoman), Madalina Corina Diaconu, Dan Constantin, Viorel Popescu, Teodora Marin, Monica Zvirjinschi, Roxana Istudor, Marian Nencescu, and Cornel Cepariu.

'It was difficult to choose the best among the best. That is why tonight's gala will not be an ordinary one. There will be three nominees in each category, because it was extremely difficult to pick the winners up to the very last moment. In fact, we are all winners. I thank you for not abandoning this profession in such a turbulent and troubling year. Thank you for still being on the barricades of journalism,' said Ruxandra Sararu.

UZPR Gala Award Winners:

Print Press - Ateneu Magazine (Bacau) - 100 years
Press Book - Mircea Pospai and Rodica Pospai Pavalan - 'Nicolae Dragos, poet-journalist, journalist-poet', Dolj branch
Radio - Radio France International - Programme Moldova Zoom
Television - Alina Grigore (TVR Info, 'Frontul') and Adriana Stoian (Euronews, 'Euroeducatia')
Online Press - Cross-border project 'Pulse', HotNews
Young Journalists - Victor Vreme, Romania TV, Bucharest
Photo Reportage - Lucian Tudose
War Correspondent - Cristian Lupascu, AGERPRES - Ukraine correspondent
Press Management - Florin Brusten, Radio Romania Regional
Branch of the Year - Iasi Branch, President Grigore Radoslavescu
Opera Omnia Award - Mario H. Balint, Caras-Severin Branch
Special Award - Doina Dabija ('Literatura si Arta' Publication, Chisinau), Basilica Press Centre, and Andreea Esca (ProTV - 30 years in journalism)

AGERPRES journalist Ecaterina Ignat was nominated in the Online Press category.

The awards were presented by journalists Dan Constantin, Viorel Popescu, Dan Preda, Elize Stan, Maria Toghina, Sorin Gombos, Stefan Mitroi, and Andreea Cretulescu.

The gala evening brought together distinguished journalists, members of the UZPR from Austria, the Republic of Moldova, Serbia, Spain, and Italy, along with public figures, academics, cultural representatives, state officials, and media executives. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Daniel Popescu; EN - writing by: Cristina Zaharia)