The prize for the best Connecting EU 2026 photo went to Jūratė Čilinskaitė, communications coordinator at the Lithuanian Industry Trade Union Federation. 

Her image, entitled Microphone vs misinformation, earned her a trip to Brussels in mid-March 2027 to take part in the EESC’s Civil Society Week 2027. 

Ms Čilinskaitė was one of the participants in the Connecting EU 2026 seminar, held on 6 and 7 July in Sofia. The event brought together EESC members, press and communication officers from EU civil society organisations and national economic and social councils, and journalists.

Participants were invited to capture memorable moments that conveyed the spirit of the seminar.

Ms Čilinskaitė said she saw the microphone in her photo as a symbol of dialogue – of giving people a voice and being willing to listen to perspectives different from our own. In this sense, it also represents a counterweight to misinformation.

'Misinformation is everywhere, and it is constantly finding new and increasingly sophisticated ways to reach us. In my view, one of the strongest ways to counter it is through conversation and dialogue – by talking, discussing, listening and trying to understand people who think differently from us. 

'This is particularly important when it comes to people who may feel left behind or pushed to the margins of society. We need to broaden our perspective, listen to different experiences and make sure that people feel that their voices matter,' Ms Čilinskaitė said.

Entitled In defence of European values: the power of civil society, the seminar examined how Europe can uphold its values as economic priorities shift and trust in democracy weakens, and what civil society can do to defend them. One of the themes explored was the impact of disinformation on public opinion and Europe’s ability to restore faith in its democratic model.

The EESC Press Unit congratulates the winner and thanks everyone who submitted their photos.