Reporters Without Borders has recently ranked Norway , alongside Finland , at the top of their Press
Freedom Index. I find it both important and admirable that in Norway , 63% of the population
(9-79 years) read a printed newspaper on a daily basis. That puts Norwegians
among the most eager media consumers in the world. No wonder that young people
find journalism studies quite attractive.
Despite my shortcomings as far as the language is concerned,
I also read the Norwegian press every day. No surprise, I have particular
interest in articles which depict contacts and cooperation of Norway with the countries of Europe ,
notably of the European Union. The best of these pieces speak about both huge benefits
and inherent complexity, helping us to understand the dynamics of our rapidly
changing continent and the place of Norway within it.
It is the second year now that we offer the EU Delegation's Journalist Award to
inspire articles about Europe (not only the
EU), the common values and destiny of our continent as well as about examples
of European cooperation. This
obviously includes the difficulties we currently face and the efforts to
overcome them. Personal accounts and impressions could be especially valuable.
With the short distances, common culture and extensive economic relations
hundreds of thousands of people study, work and live in another European
country.
The EU Delegation's
Journalist Award is for journalists (and students of journalism) in the age
between 18 and 28 years. They are encouraged to submit to the Delegation
articles which will be assessed by an independent jury. The prize for the best
article is a travel gift card of NOK 20 000, to be used in any country within
the European Union.
The submission
deadline is 14. March.
