The European Commission invites journalists working in print and online to submit entries for the Lorenzo Natali Prize, which honours excellence in reporting on human rights and democracy in the developing world. The organisers recognise these works as vital elements of economic and social development in these countries. Journalists from all countries are eligible, with the exception of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States. The European Commission will award a prize in each of the following five regions:

• Africa
• The Arab World, Iran, and Israel
• Asia and the Pacific
• Europe (EU Member States, states of central and eastern Europe, and Mediterranean states)
• Latin America and the Caribbean

Each applicant should submit one journalistic work published in a local newspaper, magazine, or internet publication that focuses on human rights or democracy in the developing world. The article must have been published between January 1 2008 and June 30 2009.

For each region, prizes will be awarded to three of the best articles. The prize winner in each region will receive a trophy and a financial award according to the following distribution:

• 1st Prize: 5,000 Euros
• 2nd Prize: 2,500 Euros
• 3rd Prize: 1,500 Euros
• Additionally, a Grand Prize of 5,000 Euros will be awarded for the best article.

Click here for more information.


Click here for the rules.


Click here for an online registration form.

Click here to read about previous winners.

Lorenzo Natali Prize website accessed on June 11 2009.