Maltese winners of the European Young Journalist Award 2009 visited Berlin in celebration of their success in one of the largest pan-European competitions.

The second European Young Journalist Award attracted more than 600 entries from all over Europe. The competition was open to writers aged 17-35 from EU member states as well as from candidate countries and potential candidates.

The young writers were encouraged to express their views on the EU's enlargement policy, European values and European integration. The 34 winners were selected by national juries composed of media representatives. All winners were invited to a trip and final conference to Berlin, Germany.

The winners' programme included a historical tour of Berlin and meetings with high-profile representatives from politics, media, academia and civil society to discuss past and future enlargements of the EU. The group visited various newspapers, radio stations and TV channels, and met with experienced journalists. During their visit to the German Parliament (Bundestag), they discussed current European foreign policy with MP Gert Weisskirchen.

The programme ended with a conference bringing together media and political representatives from EU member states, candidate countries and potential candidates.

Head of communications Gisela Gauggel-Robinson from the European Commission's Directorate-General for Enlargement said: "The success of this year's European Young Journalist Award demonstrates the considerable interest young people have in European politics. As organisers of the competition, we welcome the commitment and interest these young journalists have shown, and hope the competition will continue to stimulate informed debate next year."

For further information, visit www.EUjournalist-award.eu.