European Competition

What are the objectives of the competition?

Support is given to the student's independent and creative analysis of the common values, principles, objectives, challenges and opportunities of European unification. The competition sets out to encourage schools to deal with European topics in as many subject areas as possible. This is intended as a contribution towards creating European awareness among the next generation.

Who can participate?

School students aged between 6 and 21 at all types of schools (Year 1 to 13), divided into four age groups. Approximately 162,000 students took part in the competition nation-wide in 2009, including a large number of pupils from primary schools.

How can one take part?

The European Competition is a topical competition. Four modules, grouped according to age, stipulate different topics. The topics are based on the activities of the European Union and always require the contestants to consider a European perspective. The focus is on societal, economic, political or cultural aspects. The topics can be dealt with in whatever way the contestant chooses.

How does the competition take place?

Entries to the competition may be prepared between the beginning of the school year and February of the following year. Following a preliminary assessment at the schools, the entries are presented to a jury in the respective Land in February. The Land juries make their selection, award Land prizes as appropriate and recommend the best entries to an inter-Land jury, which usually meets in March. The list of prize winners is published at the beginning of April. The prize award ceremonies take place decentrally in the Länder, often on Europe Day in early May.

What prizes can be won?

All participants whose entries are submitted to the inter-Länder jury for the final selection process receive a certificate. The best entries are awarded material and travel prizes.

Who funds the competition?

Federal Ministry of Education and Research
Federal Foreign Office
Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (Ministries of Culture and Senate Administrations of the Länder)
Press and Information Office of the Federal Government

Who organizes the contest?

Europäische Bewegung Deutschland e.V. - Zentrum für Europäische Bildung (European Movement Germany - Centre for European Education)
Bachstraße 32, 53115 Bonn
Tel: +49 (0) 228 729 00 -64
Fax: +49 (0) 228  729 00 -90
E-Mail: zeb@europaeische-bewegung.de
Internet: http://www.europaeischer-wettbewerb.de