Are you a journalist? Are you interested in health? This is your opportunity to gain a prize. The European Commission is proud to present the fourth edition of the EU Health Prize for Journalists. It is awarded to stimulate high-quality journalism that raises awareness of issues related to healthcare and patients’ rights. The prize highlights health policy initiatives contained in the “Europe for Patients” campaign.

This year, at the occasion of the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations, the prize welcomes a new health topic for the competition: active and healthy ageing. This issue is of the highest importance and is a societal challenge shared by all European countries. It is also a major priority for the European Commission.

Also, the 2012 edition will go on supporting the fight against one of the major threats for the health of EU citizens through a special prize on smoking cessation, created in 2011.

Journalists are invited to submit their articles published in print or online media in any EU Member State between 25 July 2011 and 31 July 2012. The articles must relate to one of the 13 health topics (listed in the rules). Submissions are open until 31 July 2012. Please read carefully the rules of the prize.

There is one finalist per EU country. All national finalists are invited to Brussels for the award ceremony to receive prizes with a value of:

• 1st prize: € 6 000
• 2nd prize: € 2 500
• 3rd prize: € 1 500

Do you want to know more about this European inititative? If so, visit ec.europa.eu/health-eu/journalist_prize/index_en.htm

The European Commission is waiting for your articles. Join this healthy initiative!