Competition “Traces of Europe”
Competitions on European heritage
| Keywords | Action-Based Intergenerational Intercultural |
| Target Group | Adults (25-64) Educators/ Multipliers Teenagers (13-17) Young Adults (18-24) |
| Used Methods | Interviewing Learning By Doing Presentation Research |
| Categories | Community Educating Environmental Protection Seeking Dialogue Show Traditions |
| Level of Participation | International Level |
| Approach | Low-Threshold |
| Format of the Method | Hybrid (Combination Of The Two) |
| Duration of preparation | Medium-Term (1-6 Months) |
| Duration of implementation | Long-Term (Over 6 Months) |
| Website | https://danect.eu/call-for-participation-competition-traces-of-europe-in-my-town/ |
Duration
| From | Until |
Short Description
As part of the “Traces of Europe in My Town” project, teenagers and young adults from various European countries were invited to discover and creatively document European traces in their own town or region. They were able to pick up on aspects such as architecture, monuments, history, street names, art or personal stories that make Europe visible at a local level.
Participants submitted their contributions in the form of photos, videos, interviews or texts. The best entries were honoured and published on the danect.eu platform. The project has helped to raise awareness of European diversity and shared history – right where young people live and work.
Im Rahmen des Projekts „Traces of Europe in My Town“ waren Jugendliche und junge Erwachsene aus verschiedenen europäischen Ländern eingeladen worden, europäische Spuren in ihrer eigenen Stadt oder Region zu entdecken und kreativ zu dokumentieren. Dabei konnten sie Aspekte wie Architektur, Denkmäler, Geschichte, Straßennamen, Kunst oder persönliche Geschichten aufgreifen, die Europa auf lokaler Ebene sichtbar machen.
Die Teilnehmenden reichten ihre Beiträge in Form von Fotos, Videos, Interviews oder Texten ein. Die besten Einsendungen wurden prämiert und auf der Plattform danect.eu veröffentlicht. Das Projekt hat dazu beigetragen, das Bewusstsein für die europäische Vielfalt und gemeinsame Geschichte zu stärken – genau dort, wo junge Menschen leben und wirken.
Step-by-step explanation
Step 1
1. Understand the Topic
The competition invites young people to explore the central question: Where and how can traces of Europe be found in one’s town, city, school, or region?
Relevant themes may include:
Local connections to European history or integration
Names of streets or institutions with European relevance
EU-funded projects or cross-border initiatives
Cultural diversity or personal migration stories
Examples of European cooperation or shared values
Step 2
2. Develop a Concept
A specific local element or story is chosen that represents a connection to Europe.
This might include:
A historical building or monument
An interview with someone who has a European life experience
A place or organization shaped by European cooperation
A personal or family experience related to European integration
Step 3
3. Create the Contribution
The chosen topic is presented in a creative and meaningful way.
Accepted formats include:
Photo series or photo documentation
Short video or interview
Essay, report, or narrative text
Audio recording (e.g. podcast)
Digital presentation (e.g. PowerPoint or online map)
Submissions may be in English or German.
Step 4
4. Submit the Entry
Entries must be submitted via email to:
📧 ileu@ileu.net
Subject: “Traces of Europe in My Town – Submission”
The email must include:
Full name, age
Place of residence and country
Name of school or organization (if applicable)
Title of the contribution
Short description (maximum 150 words)
Submission deadline: 31 August 2024
Step 5
5. Evaluation and Presentation
An international jury will evaluate the entries based on creativity, relevance, clarity, and expression.
Selected contributions will be published on danect.eu and shared through social media.
An online award event will take place in autumn 2024 to honor the participants and showcase the results.
Step 6
6. Recognition and Impact
Outstanding entries will be awarded and made visible at a European level.
All contributions will help illustrate the diversity of European presence and influence in everyday local contexts.
The project outcomes will be preserved as part of a growing digital archive that promotes European identity and shared cultural memory
Results
Around 70 entries were received from individuals or (small) groups in the various categories.
Goals
Objectives of the project
Promoting a more conscious European self-image among young people
Strengthening intercultural and historical education
Motivation to actively engage with their own environment and history
Visualising the diversity of European connections at a local level
Promoting creative expression and digital skills
What is needed
What Is Needed for the Competition
From the Organizers (e.g. DANECT / ILEU e.V.)
1. Concept and Coordination
A well-defined competition theme and goal (e.g. identifying local traces of Europe).
Clear target group (e.g. youth and young adults aged 15–25 across Europe).
Internal coordination team for managing communication, logistics, and jury process.
2. Communication and Outreach
A call for participation published in English and German.
Promotion materials (web texts, flyers, press releases, social media content).
A project website or platform (e.g. danect.eu) for visibility and information.
3. Submission Infrastructure
A dedicated email address for receiving entries (e.g. ileu@ileu.net).
Templates or instructions for submitting:
Contact info
Contribution description
File formats and language options (German or English)
Defined deadline (e.g. 31 August 2024).
4. Jury and Evaluation Process
An international jury with transparent evaluation criteria:
Relevance to the theme
Creativity and originality
Clarity and quality
European connection
5. Follow-up and Recognition
Planning of an award event or online ceremony.
Technical setup for publication of selected entries on the website.
Certificates, recognition, and possibly small prizes for the winners.
Optional: documentation/report and long-term use as educational materials.
🎓 From the Participants
1. Understanding the Topic
Exploration of how Europe is visible locally (e.g. in history, culture, architecture, names, communities, EU influence).
2. Creative Contribution
A personal or local story/documentation expressed through:
Photos
Videos/interviews
Written texts or essays
Audio recordings
Digital presentations
3. Technical Requirements
Contribution must be submitted via email (ileu@ileu.net).
Entry must include:
Full name, age, country, school/organization (if applicable)
Title and short description (max. 150 words)
File in accepted format (image, text, video, etc.)
Language: English or German
4. Consent and Responsibility
Declaration that the work is original and copyright-free.
If people appear in the submission: consent for use and publication.
Responsible and respectful handling of sensitive or personal content.