The 2003 Europe Prize - Rules of the Competition

1. Applications are invited from print and on-line journalists employed by the media of the countries of the Council of Europe.

2. Entrants may submit one entry published in the general news media concerning drug use or drugs policy or actions related to drugs policy.

3. All entries must have been published between 1 April 2002 and 30 April 2003.

4. Entries must be submitted in an official language of the Prize or be accompanied by an adequate translation into one of these. Official languages of the Prize are: English, French, German, Spanish and Italian.

5. Each entrant may enter only once but may submit one or more reports on the same subject.

6. Where the entry is a collaborative effort, all major contributors should be included, including producers, researchers, journalists and editors, at the time the entry is lodged. A team entry may comprise a maximum of five individuals.

7. Each entry must be made with the written consent of the author.

8. All entrants are required to establish their bona fides as a journalist and must certify that the entry is their original work, apart from normal sub-editorial/production treatment.

9. All entries should declare any subsequent formal corrections, challenges to the accuracy of an entry or claims of plagiarism or defamation against the work.

10. Entrants should keep copies of all material submitted, as entries will not be returned.

11. The deadline for entries is 31 July 2003.

12. The Prize winners will receive a Europe Prize: Journalism for a Changing World certificate and a financial award.

13. The International Federation of Journalists reserves the right to utilise all material submitted for presentation and media use and to reproduce it for the purpose of promoting The Europe Prize and for allowing a telecast of the awards presentation ceremony.

14. Members of the IFJ Executive Committee or journalists employed by the IFJ in any capacity shall not be eligible to submit an entry.

15. An independent seven-person jury made up of respected media professionals and experts will examine the entries and choose the winners.

16. The decision of the jury is final. The jury has the right to reject an entry, which, in their opinion, does not comply with the requirements of the competition. The Europe Prize: Journalism for a Changing World sponsors reserve the right to withdraw a Prize if it is later found the entrant did not comply with the entry conditions.

17. Prize winners will be chosen on the basis of journalistic excellence.

18. The jury will consider the entries in relation to the objectives of promoting understanding and debate on the issue of drugs policy and contributing to a wider understanding of European perspectives in this field.

19. The jury will also consider:

a. Newsworthiness and relevance of the information
b. Research required to gather information and resources available and effort expended in the preparation of the work
c. Quality of writing, originality, presentation and respect for ethical principles
d. Impact of the work and its public benefit

Please send your entry to:

The Europe Prize: Journalism Prize Office
Att.: Ann-Christina Hansen
International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)
International Press Centre Résidence Palace
Second Floor, Bloc C
155, rue de la Loi
B-1040 Brussels
Belgium
Phone: +32 2 235 22 12
Fax: +32 2 235 22 19
E-mail: [email protected]

All entries should be clearly marked The Europe Prize: Journalism for a Changing World.