New European Prize for young people

9 January 2008

A new European prize for young people is being launched this month. It's aimed at young people aged between 16 and 30 who have been involved with projects helping to promote understanding between peoples of different European countries.

Organised by the European Parliament and the Foundation of the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen, the Charlemagne Youth Prize provides funding of €2,000 - €5,000 for existing projects that foster a shared sense of European identity and cooperation. The best projects from each of the 27 EU Member States will be invited to Aachen, in Germany, on 29 April 2008.

As well as promoting European and international understanding, the winning projects will serve as role models for young people living in Europe. In particular the organisers are looking for practical examples of Europeans living together. The projects can focus on the organisation of youth events, youth exchanges or internet projects with a European dimension.

Application forms are available on the European Parliament's UK Office website at: www.europarl.org.uk The deadline for applications is 8 February 2008.

For further information, contact Simon Duffin, Head of Press, European Parliament UK Office, simon.duffin@europarl.europa.eu Tel: 07786 060531

How will the winners be chosen?

Deadline for submitting projects: 8 February 2008

The best three projects will then be selected in two steps.

First phase: national juries consisting of at least two MEPs and one representative of a youth organisation will select a national winner from each of the 27 EU Member States: by 14 March 2008