EEA Photo Competition 2025 | Total Prize Money: 4000 EUR

EEA Photo Competition 2025 | Total Prize Money: 4000 EUR

The European Environment Agency (EEA) is once again inviting nature and photography enthusiasts from across the continent to showcase their talent in the annual EEA Photo Competition. This year’s theme, Environment & Me, inspires participants to capture the spirit of cities and towns through images that convey hope, happiness, and a commitment to a more sustainable future. The EEA Photo Competition emphasizes the evolution of urban spaces into environmentally friendly and livable communities while acknowledging the progressive initiatives led by the EEA.

In today’s fast-changing world, photography allows us to reflect on our surroundings and document the subtle shifts that contribute to a healthier environment. Whether you are a seasoned photographer or a passionate amateur, the EEA Photo Competition 2025 encourages you to share moments that underscore the delicate balance between modern urban living and environmental conservation. By participating in the EEA Photo Competition, photographers have the opportunity to showcase their perspective on sustainability and inspire others to appreciate the harmony between cities and nature.

The Environment&Me Theme: Capturing Urban Sustainability

This year’s theme focuses on the urban landscape, emphasizing the interplay between human activity and nature. The objective is to depict the transformation of concrete jungles into green spaces where people and wildlife coexist harmoniously. In an era when sustainability is paramount, each photograph should tell the story of transformation—whether it is a quiet moment in a community garden or a vibrant urban festival under solar-powered streetlights.

The challenge is not only to capture visually appealing scenes, but also to inspire viewers to appreciate the subtle changes making cities more livable and sustainable. As you embark on this photographic journey, consider how everyday actions can contribute to an environment where nature and urban development support each other.

Contest Categories: Artistic Perspectives on Urban Life

The competition offers three distinct categories, each celebrating a different dimension of urban sustainability and showcasing the dynamic relationship between nature and modern living.

Wildlife in the City

The “Wildlife in the City” category draws attention to the rich biodiversity that thrives in urban settings. Cities are not just concrete and steel—they are vibrant ecosystems where various species cohabit with humans. Participants are encouraged to capture images that show the peaceful coexistence of residents and urban wildlife. Whether it’s a fox exploring a backyard garden, a bird nestled in a garden feeder, or deer wandering in a green corridor, this category reminds us of the importance of every creature, great and small.

Tip: Consider unique lighting, unexpected angles, or seasonal elements to make your wildlife shot stand out.

Charming Neighborhoods

“Charming Neighborhoods” is a celebration of the community spirit and innovative design found in urban districts. This category calls for images that convey the warmth of local communities—from solar-powered streetlights and pedestrian-friendly architecture to neighborhood composting facilities and vertical forests. Some photos may even highlight industrial relics repurposed into green spaces. The focus here is on the harmonious blend of modern urban infrastructure and environmental consciousness.

Tip: Look for hidden gems in your local area—areas that illustrate how even modest urban designs can transform into vibrant, eco-friendly communities.

Green at Heart

The EEA Photo Competition “Green at Heart” category offers a more personal angle by emphasizing the role of individual actions in protecting the environment. It’s about celebrating everyday efforts that have a positive impact on our surroundings. Photographs submitted to the EEA Photo Competition in this category might depict community tree-planting events, individuals practicing reduce, reuse, and recycle principles, or creative initiatives that promote sustainable living.

This segment of the EEA Photo Competition is a reminder that small lifestyle changes can ripple out to create lasting changes in our urban environments.

Tip: Showcase authentic moments or candid actions that reflect your commitment to a greener lifestyle and stand out in the EEA Photo Competition.

EEA Photo Competition 2025 – Prize Breakdown

With a total prize fund of 4000 EUR, the competition stakes offer incredible recognition for emerging and established photographers. The prize structure is designed to reward each category’s excellence and encourage diverse participation.

Each category winner will receive a cash prize of 1000 EUR.
A special prize of 500 EUR is designated for participants aged between 18 and 24 years in the youth category.
The winner of the public choice award will also receive a cash prize of 500 EUR.
There is no entry fee, ensuring that everyone has the chance to participate.
Exceptional entries might be featured in various publications and exhibitions, giving your work broader exposure.

Eligibility Criteria for Participation

The competition is open to international participants, as long as they meet the following conditions:

Applicants must be citizens from the EU 27 Member States, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, Türkiye, North Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia, or Herzegovina.
Photographs must have been taken within the eligible countries.
Participants must be at least 18 years old (with a special youth category for ages 18-24).
Submitters should hold the copyrights to the images uploaded.
All rules of submission must be carefully read and adhered to.
Each photographer can submit up to 5 entries, using a separate form for each submission.
Incomplete entries will be disqualified.
Promotional or advertising content is not allowed.
Employees of the EEA or their relatives are not eligible to participate.
Only photographs taken with a camera are accepted. Artificially generated images are not permitted.

How to Apply for the Competition

The submission process is straightforward and completely online. Follow the steps below to ensure your application is complete:

Capture or create an original photograph in JPEG, PNG, or TIFF format.
Ensure the image meets the minimum resolution requirement of 2000 pixels.
Add an engaging title and a concise description of your photo in English.
Submit your entry before the deadline.
Fill in all the required details in the online application form.
Select your appropriate competition category.
Upload your photo entry and submit the form.

When preparing your submission, double-check that every field is correctly filled in. Missing information may lead to disqualification, so pay careful attention to the guidelines.

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Documents Required for Your Application

To ensure the authenticity and eligibility of each submission, please include the following documents along with your entry:

Proof of citizenship.
Proof of age.
Electronic copies of your images that will be uploaded with your form.

Important Deadline

Ensure that you plan your photography and submission timeline carefully. The final date to apply is 30 May 2025, 23:59 (CEST). Missing this deadline will result in your entry being disqualified.

Benefits of Participating in the Competition

Joining the EEA imaging contest not only gives your photography a platform but also brings several advantages:

No entry fee – every photographer has a chance to participate without any cost.
A chance to win significant cash prizes that recognize your creative efforts.
The opportunity to have your work showcased in reputable publications and exhibitions.
The contest is entirely online, meaning you can submit your images from anywhere without the need for travel.
Special recognition in the youth category encourages young talents to get started in environmental photography.

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Final Thoughts

The EEA Photo Competition 2025 is an exceptional opportunity for photographers around the globe to merge art with sustainability. Every snapshot submitted to the EEA Photo Competition is a chance to highlight the beauty and resilience of urban environments while underlining the power of everyday actions to foster positive change. By capturing the subtle interplay between nature and city life, your work can spark a conversation on the importance of eco-friendly innovations in urban planning.

Whether your focus is on the delicate wildlife thriving in the concrete jungle, the community charm of green neighborhoods, or the personal commitment to a sustainable lifestyle, your photograph in the EEA Photo Competition can contribute to an inspiring narrative. Embrace this chance to be part of an international dialogue that not only celebrates art but also champions a greener, more vibrant future.

Ready to share your vision with the world? Click the links below to apply now and view detailed information on the official EEA Photo Competition page.

Apply Now
Official Link

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