The 2026 Photography Competition was successfully completed, showcasing the creativity and unique perspectives of young amateur photographers
on European identity, everyday life, and the human moments that connect us! 📸

The competition was organized by the Youth Makerspace Larnaka of the Cyprus Youth Organization, in memory of Thrasyvoulos Thrasyvoulou, Executive Secretary of the Cyprus Youth Organization, and marked the 7th photography competition of the programme.

On the occasion of Cyprus assuming the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, this year’s competition was dedicated to Europe as our common home, giving young people aged 12–35 the opportunity to capture through their lens the values that unite us: democracy, freedom of expression, diversity, respect, mutual acceptance, and human connection.

A total of 62 young photographers participated in the competition, submitting 160 photographs featuring landscapes, everyday moments, human portraits, and symbolic images inspired by European experience and identity.

The evaluation of the entries took place on 15 May 2026 by a judging panel consisting of:

• professional photographer Dimitris Pieris
• Elena Kaloutsidou on behalf of the family of Thrasyvoulos Thrasyvoulou
• Stelios Papapetrou on behalf of the Cyprus Youth Organization.

🏆 The winning photographs are as follows:

🥇 1st Prize
“European Glow” – Nikos Papadouri

🥈 2nd Prize
“Tulips in Quiet Light” – Anastasia Kesidou

🥉 3rd Prize
“Where Love Drifts Beyond Borders” – Marilena Charidimou

🏅 Special Award by the Family of Thrasyvoulos Thrasyvoulou
“Steps to Heaven” – Ksenija Vikhoreva

🏅🏅🏅 3 Honourable Mentions

• “The Artist – Freedom of Expression” – Stavri Georgiou
• “Street Encounters, Limassol, Cyprus” – Evanthia Polyviou
• “Moving Bodies” – Dino Rovolis

👏🏼 Warm congratulations to all participants for the outstanding quality of their work, and especially to the winners of the competition!

We would also like to thank everyone who shared their unique perspective through their lens and contributed to the success of this year’s event.