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We give a voice to young people to promote a change of narratives and contribute to a culture of understanding, peace and dialogue in the Euro-Mediterranean region

This programme creates spaces for intercultural encounters between young people in order to promote exchanges of experiences and ideas between peers, identify shared values in the region and transcend those stereotypes that tear us apart. By doing so, it aims to equip young people with tools so they can play a relevant role in future societies and actively promote the values of diversity and co-existence in the Euro-Mediterranean area. 

The programme includes regular youth-to-youth debates on the burning issues in the Euro-Mediterranean area, including violent extremism, hate speech and migration.  

It also features the youth contest “A Sea of Words”, organised in collaboration with the Anna Lindh Foundation and its national networks. The competition is open to young people between the ages of 18 and 30 from the Euromed area. It encourages intercultural dialogue and the exchange of knowledge through the stories about experiences and concerns expressed by young people. Since 2008, each contest has revolved around a different theme, such as gender equality, sustainable development, democracy and citizenship, radicalisation and climate change. 

Through short stories, young people have the opportunity to freely express ideas, perceptions, concerns and hopes. In this way, different local and international traditions are reflected. During the 13th year of the contest, around 3,000 works were received, with a good balance between the North (47%) and South (53%) of the Mediterranean. An international jury selects between 10 and 20 texts every year, and offers the finalists the opportunity to take part in an intercultural experience in Barcelona. This exchange includes literary workshops, cultural visits and the awards ceremony, featuring prominent figures from different fields. 

The 2010 edition

Towards Fairer Equality in the Mediterranean

Coinciding in 2010 with the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion, the third year of the contest focuses on the issue of social progress and the effort to build fairer and more egalitarian and inclusive societies. Its objective is to raise awareness among youths that a society in peace with itself can only be built through inclusivity.

Key information


The call was closed on 15 September 2010

We have received 334 stories written by youths from 36 Euro-Mediterranean countries

The contest welcomes stories written in any of the official languages of the Euro-Mediterranean countries:
Albania, Algeria, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, Mauritania, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, The Netherlands, Palestine, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey and United Kingdom.

Winners announced


(1st Prize)

Milena Is a Sex Bomb

Alfredo Zucchi. Italy

(2nd Prize)

Beautician

Ana Pessoa. Portugal

(3rd Prize)

Sunset

Ayelet Gundar-Goshen. Israel

Other finalists

Where the Olive Tree Is Grown

Edlira Osmani. Albania

Dudek Got off the Train on Time

Marko Gregur. Croatia

The Island

Mahmoud Mansi. Egypt

Bubbles

Tiia R. Junnonaho. Finland

The Exchange

Nathalie Ester Alyon. Israel

In the Silence of a Silver Light

Andris C. Habermanis. Latvia

Evolution: You Adapt or...

Donara Barojan. Lithuania

Descending the Stairs of Downfall

Justin Fenech. Malta

The Stutterer

Ilija Ðjurović. Montenegro

His Appointed Time Is the Break of Dawn

Zahra Astitou. The Netherlands

Words for the Mediterranean Sea

Kholoud Ajarma. Palestine

Balik

Katarzyna Marta Nocuń. Poland

Piglets for Slaughter

Małgorzata Gwiazda. Poland

Towards the Twelve Stars

Maja Cehovin. Slovenia

Exchange

Vesna Hauschild. Slovenia

Eliade

Pablo J. Garmón. Spain

Letter to the United Nations from the United Animals Community

Alper Abca. Turkey

Co-organised with