EU4Green is a regional project (2022–2025) implemented by the Environment Agency Austria. It is financed by the European Union together with the Austrian Development Agency. The project supports the six Western Balkan economies: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, in advancing the Green Agenda by strengthening governance, aligning policies with EU standards, and enhancing regional cooperation for a more sustainable and climate-resilient future.

TOPICS COVERED

Submitted journalistic works should focus on one or more of the following topics, related to the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans and its impact on citizens:

• Clean air, water and soil – tackling pollution and protecting public health
• Biodiversity and nature – preserving ecosystems and species
• Sustainable farming and food – promoting climate-resilient agriculture
• Green economy – from recycling and circular solutions to green finance and investment
• Climate action – mitigation, adaptation and community resilience
• Cross-cutting and interdisciplinary perspectives (e.g., gender, inclusion, social equity) are strongly encouraged.

SELECTION CRITERIA

A jury will assess all submitted works according to the following criteria:

1. Relevance of the topic and its connection to the impact of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans (GAWB) implementation process, including legal, societal and economic transformation for the citizens of the Western Balkans (WB) and/or one of its six economies, ideally with concrete examples.
2. Accuracy and depth (use of facts, sources, analytical approach)
3. Narrative quality, originality, and journalistic style (written or audiovisual). Clarity, engagement, structure, and creativity in presenting the topic.
4. Impact and contribution to public understanding. The extent to which the piece informs, educates, or inspires public awareness and dialogue on green transition issues — possibly in relation to the EU accession process and the potential effects of EU membership for citizens and/or the state.
5. Respect for journalistic ethics and standards.

Each criterion is scored 0–10 (max. 50 points). Authors of selected works will be contacted directly by email.

CONDITIONS

• Works must be in one of the official languages of the six WB economies and/or English.
  • Works in one of the local languages must be accompanied by an English translation (in case of audio-visual works, either subtitling or an English translated transcript should be provided).
• Offensive content, hate speech or discriminatory language will result in disqualification.
• EU4Green reserves the right to publish or broadcast selected works for non-commercial purposes, always crediting the author and media outlet.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, submissions should be sent via email to contact@eu4green.eu with the subject: “For the Green Journalism Award.”

The application must include:

• Full name of the author
• Name of the media outlet
• Date of publication
• Contact information (email and phone)
• A direct link to the published article/audio/video or a scanned copy (for print)

If the work is not available online (e.g., radio or TV), submit it via a link (Google Drive, WeTransfer, Swiss Transfer, etc.) along with a short confirmation letter from the editor verifying that the work was published.

Submitted works should address Western Balkans (or one of its six economies) Green Transition actions/activities, steps or efforts taken to comply with the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans (GAWB) or efforts to tackle local/regional environmental issues addressed in the GAWB, ideally highlighting how these efforts affect the lives of citizens.

APPLICATION PERIOD

September 29 – October 9, 2025

PRIZE

The author of the best-ranked journalistic work will receive a training course “Professional Certificate in Environmental Journalism”, delivered via London School of International Business – see Professional Certificate in Environmental Journalism – completed fully online.

The course can last one month (Fast-track mode) or two months (Standard mode), depending on the winner’s choice, but must be completed by December 31, 2025. Upon successful completion of the course, the winner will receive a Professional Certificate in Environmental Journalism. These costs, directly related to the course, are covered by EU4Green.

In case of force majeure where the winner cannot complete the course within the deadline they have chosen, a written explanation must be provided to EU4Green/EAA, including documentation on the level of course fulfilment. In such cases, only the course, but not the cost of the Certificate will be covered by the Project.

In addition to the course, the winner will receive high-visibility recognition, including:

• Official announcement as the “Green Journalism Award” winner across EU4Green channels (website, newsletter, social media).
• A digital and paper certificate for professional use.
• A feature interview/profile on EU4Green platforms shared with regional partners and media.

By submitting works to the Journalism Award electronically, you are deemed to have agreed to and accepted the Terms and Conditions and Competition rules and confirm to have taken notice of the data protection information.

PDF links:

• Terms and Conditions
• Competition Rules

For additional information, contact EU4Green project via email: contact@eu4green.eu.

*The designation of Kosovo is without prejudice to any positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.