Brussels, 15/03/2010 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission's Budget Directorate General is asking pupils aged between 15 and 19 from Germany and Austria to have a close look at the EU budget and submit their findings in the form of a report or short video. The competition starts on 15 March. Closing date for entries is 30 June 2010. The best entries will be selected by a jury consisting of leading journalists from newspapers, magazines and television, who themselves report on European affairs every day. The winners will travel to Brussels, where they will meet EU Commissioner for Financial Programming and Budget Janusz Lewandowski.
Every year, the EU invests some €140 billion across Europe - in research, education, environmental protection, infrastructure, undertakings and many other future-oriented fields, a Commission press release says. It goes on to note that “very few people” know where EU funds are being invested in their areas, what chances and challenges are involved or how to apply for EU funding themselves. The schools competition offers young people a chance to get to grips with the nitty-gritty of these and other questions relating to the EU budget. Pupils will be able to submit reports of no more than 4500 words or videos which are no more than two minutes long setting out their view of the EU budget. They may work alone or in teams of up to four. (http://www.ec.europa.eu/budget/jugendwettbewerb ) (L.C./transl.rt)