Cartoonist Tjeerd Royaards wins European Cartoon Award 2025
HAGUE, Dec. 14 (YPA) – The Dutch cartoonist Tjeerd Royaards claimed this year’s European Cartoon Award on Saturday at the annual European Cartoon Award ceremony held in The Hague.
His cartoon focused on the death and destruction of Palestine by “Israel” and the fecklessness of the United Nations.
He criticized the Israeli genocide against Palestinians. He also depicted the occupation’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu in his cartoon.
In a statement, the jury of the European Cartoon Award praised the illustration for its “strong symbolism and expressive boldness,” noting that political cartooning remains a powerful artistic medium for addressing controversial issues and stimulating public debate.
According to the panel, the cartoon confronts viewers with a harsh reality while remaining firmly rooted in the tradition of editorial satire.
Over 400 artworks from more than 30 countries competed in this year’s edition, with 15 artists being selected for the final shortlist.
The event was attended by artists, critics, journalists, and activists, reflecting growing interest in European circles regarding the role of political cartoons in public debate.
The European Cartoon Award, founded in 2019, is considered a platform to support freedom of expression and encourage artists to address political and social issues through satirical drawing, at a time when spaces for critical expression are shrinking in several media and political contexts.
@E.Y.M