Lorenzo Natali Prize Rules

For Print and Online Media

1. You have until 31 August 2011 to submit your application for the 2011 edition. The application form can be accessed here in the Register section of this web site.
2. To enter, professional print, online and news agency journalists must upload a piece of written journalism – either individually or, for jointly authored or produced items, as a group.
3. Only one item or one extract from a series of journalistic works (i.e. one article) can be entered. If you submit more than one, you will be disqualified.
4. The entry must have been published in print, online media or have appeared in an agency dispatch for the first time between 1 July 2010 and 31 August 2011.
5. Your work must have been published in one of five regions: Africa; the Arab World and the Middle East; Asia and the Pacific; Europe; Latin America and the Caribbean.
6. It must address human rights and/or democracy and/or development, and have as its background the developing world. Opinion articles are not eligible.
7. Your story must not exceed 10 000 characters with spaces (about 1 400 words). We will consider a short version of a longer item, but you have to upload the full-length piece as well. There is no minimum length requirement.
8. You can submit an article in any language. If it is written in one of the 23 official European Union languages, you must also submit a summary in English or French or Spanish. If you want to enter an article that is not in one of the 23 official European Union languages, you must provide a translation in English or French or Spanish in addition to the summary. The summary should be carefully written as it will be key for pre-selection. It must be no longer than 2 000 characters including spaces.
9. All works will go through a phase of pre-selection. The top 10 items in each category will be given to an independent Grand Jury. The jury will consist of seven people who are recognised figures in journalism, development, democracy and human rights. The jury will choose the final winners.
10. You work will be assessed on: relevance to democracy, human rights, development; originality of approach; professional quality, investigative depth; and public/political impact, if any. The decision of the Grand Jury shall be final.
11. Three prizes will be awarded in each of the five regions. A Grand Prize will be awarded for the best piece of journalism across all media (including TV and radio).
12. The winners in each region will receive a trophy and prize money of EUR 5 000 for first place, EUR 2 500 for the runner up, and EUR 1 500 for third place. The winner of the Grand Prize will receive a trophy and EUR 5 000.
13. The European Commission has the right to reproduce and disseminate the works submitted in its own publications and in publicity material for the Lorenzo Natali Prize, including through its website, its partners and by any other means necessary to promote the Prize.
14. Laureates cannot enter the Prize the year following their award, but are eligible for subsequent editions. Articles written by current members of staff of the European Union institutions or the Mostra communications agency will not be considered. These people can enter three years after leaving their position.

Further explanations and answers to frequently asked questions can be found here.