PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES

1. OBJECTIVE

This literary competition aims to encourage reflection and exchange on the relationship between the European Union and Panama through the lens of the colonial routes, while also promoting literary creativity — especially among young talent, whether professional or self-taught.

The selected works will be presented to the public as part of the Colonial routes, Natural crossroads project. The best work will also receive a prize of 300 USD.

By supporting initiatives like this, the EU Delegation contributes to fostering literary expression in Panama and creating spaces for dialogue and cultural exchange. The competition offers a platform for both participants and audiences to explore new perspectives, share experiences, and promote shared values such as cultural diversity, tolerance, and social cohesion.

2. THEME AND FORMAT OF WORKS

The theme of the works is Colonial Routes, Natural Crossings. For further details, please consult the project website: https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/panama/project/cultural-routes-natural-crossroads_en?s=249 

The acceptable formats for submissions are:

• Essay
• Short Story
• Poem

The maximum length for submissions, regardless of format, is 400 words.

All works must be submitted in Spanish and accompanied by a title.

3. PARTICIPANT SELECTION

• Total number of participants selected

A total of 3 to 6 participants will be chosen.

• Evaluation criteria

Candidate profile

Each candidate must complete the online application form by clicking HERE, which includes questions about their studies, experience, and inspirations. The competition is open to both professionals and self-taught individuals.

Nationality and residence

The competition is open to Panamanian citizens and residents only.

Age

Participants must be between 18 and 30 years of age.

Submission proposal

The submitted work will be evaluated based on its alignment with the theme and format requirements. Special consideration will be given to works that:

Offer a new, original, and innovative perspective on topics such as youth, inclusion, and climate change;

Encourage knowledge and understanding of other cultures as a means to promote peace and mutual understanding;

Highlight the importance of respecting diversity and cultural richness.

• Selection process

Participants will be selected by the European Union Delegation in Panama.

There is no entry fee. Only one submission per person is allowed.

Selected participants will be notified by email.

4. IMPORTANT DATES

The deadline for submitting applications is Monday, 10 March 2025, at 23:59 local time in Panama. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered (the date and time of the email submission will be used as reference).

Selected participants will present their works during the final event of the Colonial Routes, Natural Crossings project in early April 2025. The exact date and time will be communicated to the selected candidates.

5. PRIZES

All selected participants will receive official recognition in the form of a diploma, paying tribute to their talent and creativity.

A committee designated by the EU Delegation in Panama and its Member States will choose the best work, which will be awarded a prize of 300 USD.

The European Union reserves the right to exhibit and reproduce the works as part of the Colonial Routes, Natural Crossings project and other EU-organised cultural events. This clause ensures the promotion and dissemination of competition works within the EU's network of cultural events, contributing to the visibility of emerging and established talents from both Europe and Latin America. Participants accept that the reproduction of their works in these contexts will be for promotional and cultural purposes only, non-profit, and with full respect for copyright and intellectual property rights.