The European Commission’s Budget Directorate-General is asking pupils aged between 15 and 19 from Germany and Austria to have a close look at the EU budget and submit their findings in the form of a report or short video.

The European Commission’s Budget Directorate-General is asking pupils aged between 15 and 19 from Germany and Austria to have a close look at the EU budget and submit their findings in the form of a report or short video. Pupils will, for example, be able to report on EU projects being conducted in their area. A jury consisting of leading journalists from newspapers, magazines and television, who themselves report on European affairs every day, will select the best entries. The winners will travel to Brussels, where they will meet the EU Commissioner for Financial Programming and Budget, Janusz Lewandowski.

Commissioner Lewandowski explained: "The competition on the EU budget offers pupils an ideal opportunity to get a better understanding of the practical effects of European policies in their own areas. I am sure that it will be a very exciting experience for the pupils taking part."

Every year some €140 billion in EU funds is invested across Europe – in research, education, environmental protection, infrastructure, undertakings and many other future-oriented fields.

Yet very few people know where EU funds are being invested in their areas, what chances and challenges are involved or how to apply for EU funding themselves.

The schools competition offers young people a chance to get to grips with the nitty-gritty of these and other questions relating to the EU budget. The pupils will be able to submit reports of no more than 4500 words or videos which are no more than two minutes long setting out their view of the EU budget.

They may work alone or in teams of no more than four.

The best entries will be published on a new DG Budget youth web page.

The competition starts on 15 March. Closing date for entries is 30 June 2010.