Brussels, 29/10/2009 (Agence Europe) - In a novel way to highlight the culture and people of the region, Directorate General Enlargement of the European Commission launched a photo competition, “Southeast Europe: People and Culture” on Wednesday. The competition provides photography enthusiasts with the opportunity to show off their talents and creativity on the theme of culture in all its forms and sport in South-East Europe. An international panel will select 24 semi-finalists, then three winners, judged on the criteria of visualisation of the competition theme; level of creativity and originality; photo composition clarity of presentation; and general appeal of the image. A fourth winner will be chosen by the public who will have the opportunity to vote online between 2 February and 16 March 2010. The four winning photos will be exhibited in two galleries, one in Brussels the other in Madrid in spring 2010. Entries must be received by 20 January 2010. For information, go to http://www.southeast-europe.eu (I.L./transl.rt)