What the European jury had to say
Most Original Report
Winner: Vladislav Velev (Bulgaria)
Title: Bulgarian Sedianka in Belgium
Some may question whether Bulgaria was ready for European Union membership when it joined just over three years ago. But this unusual report shows that its culture and people are very much part of European traditions as a group of different nationalities meets regularly in Liège (Belgium) to enjoy the country’s folk dances and music. It is a clear example of how people-to-people contacts can flourish irrespective of wider political considerations.
Special Mention: Danica Tuntevska (the former yugoslav Republic of Macedonia)
Title: The Railway to Bulgaria Stopped Dead in its Tracks
The appeal of this entry is that it contrasts the gap between lofty political ambitions and the absence on the ground, literally, of any real progress to bring the people of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia closer to the European Union. Brussels may not seem such a distant destination for politicians, but, after five years, economic and social contacts with neighbouring Bulgaria are no nearer because of an inexplicable failure to complete 89 kilometres of rail track.
Best Research
Winner: Prune Antoine (France)
Title: Poland: Nobody's children
This article, focusing on the lot of “euro orphans“ left behind in Poland while their parents seek work elsewhere in the EU, is a fine example of good, traditional journalistic research combined with a strong human angle. The vast majority of the children are looked after by grandparents or other relatives, but many are also placed in state orphanages. The author’s approach provides a thought-provoking combination of facts, figures and faces.
Special Mention: Kristof Clerix (Belgium)
Title: Albania, country in transition
This report presents a multi-faceted look at the complexities of today’s Albania as the country struggles to transform and modernise itself. Careful and thorough research results in a balanced and readable portrait. The author manages to identify some highly symptomatic examples of the problems facing the country: corruption, weak institutions and disregard for the rule of law. At the same time, the article clearly shows the importance of the perspective of EU membership as Albania tackles the necessary changes and reforms.
Best Journalistic Style
Winner: Verena Ringler (Austria)
Title: Kosovo 2.0
This well written article immediately drags the reader into the narrative and holds your attention until the end. It projects a completely different picture of Kosovo to the one generally portrayed as it shows how a new creative and energetic generation is coming to the fore. By being taken into Pristina’s nightlife and shown its excitement and variety, the report successfully challenges the reader to reassess traditional prejudices of Kosovo. It focuses on people who want to stay in, or return to, their home country, not leave it. A very refreshing read.
Special Mention: Radovan Potočár (Slovakia)
Title: My Secret European Dream
This is a simple, but telling, testimony from a young, but mature, author who was not even born when the Berlin Wall came down. He uses his first visit to Paris to describe the city’s wide and delightful diversity. He reflects that the European Union has helped to develop this diversity, just as it has brought peace and opportunities. The article reminds us how the profound changes of the past two decades have transformed the lives of so many citizens – something that should not be forgotten when speaking about EU enlargement.
