Brussels, 10/01/2000 (Agence Europe) - The European young consumers' competition 1999-2000 is based on the theme "consumer demand in the 21st century". Financed by the European Commission for the sixth consecutive year, the competition is aimed at allowing young European Union citizens to work in a team, during the school year, on consumer questions. This year it is open to all secondary school pupils within the EU, who are invited to produce information material (posters, brochures, cartoon strips, videos, CD-ROM, Internet sites) on this subject. The young people hoping to take part in the competition must send in their applications before 17 March 2000.
Prizes will reward the work judged the best. They will be awarded by a European jury to the prize-winners after pre-selection at national level. First prize this year be a trip to a surprise destination.
During the previous competition devoted to the theme of the euro, over 1,400 teams had taken part, and the competition was won by Belgium, Austria, Italy and the United Kingdom.
The competition rules for 1999-2000 (which contain full information on the conditions for participation, the work to be accomplished, the arrangements for subscription and prices) is available from national organisers whose details may be obtained from Nicolas Genevay, European Commission, Directorate General for Consumer Protection, in Brussels. Contact: e-mail: nicolas.genevay@cec.eu.int, Fax: (O2) 299 63 02.