'What has the EU done for me?' essay competition

3.58.43pm GMT Wed 2nd Aug 2006

This is the perfect chance for aspiring journalists to make their mark at the highest level of political reporting. Students aged 11 to 19 are being invited to submit a short essay on "What has the EU done for me?" The winning four students will meet up with students from Finland and join journalists and reporters from all over Europe to cover press conferences, briefings and interviews. The lucky winners will enjoy an all-expenses paid trip to Brussels, courtesy of the British Council.

Enfield youngster Ahmad Arbad was among last years winners. As well as interviewing Ministers, politicians and diplomats, their articles were published by the Guardian and they were interviewed on TV and radio about their experiences!

Baroness Ludford commented:

"This is an excellent initiative and I would certainly encourage all students in London to take part."

"It is all too rare that Londoners have the opportunity to hear the truth about what actually goes on in 'Brussels', as opposed to what the Eurosceptic scare-mongerers would have us believe. The EU is of crucial importance to our everyday lives - from cheaper mobile phones and a cleaner Thames to a European continent at peace!"

"The EU gets a permanent bashing in Britain, and it is about time London's youngsters put people straight. Go for it!"

Students aged 11 - 19 are eligible to enter. Simply write a maximum of 800 words on "What's the EU done for me?" All the information and resouces for schools are available on the competition website at http://www.britishcouncil.org/brussels-europe-eu-competition.htm.

Notes to editors:

For more information, please contact Laura Citron at British Council Brussels (Laura.Citron@britishcouncil.be; +32 2 227 0858) or look at http://www.britishcouncil.org/brussels-europe-eu-competition.htm