The European Environment Agency (EEA) Environment & Me 2026 Photo Competition, a vibrant Global Eco-Photography Showcase, invites nature-loving photographers worldwide to capture the synergy between urban life and environmental sustainability. Launched. This annual eco-art contest celebrates its 16th edition, building on 1,300+ entries from 32 countries in the Urban Treasures cycle, which generated 2.5 million+ social media impressions. Aligned with UN SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), it promotes visual storytelling to inspire eco-friendly urban futures and highlight humanity’s connection to the environment.
The contest centers on three urban-themed categories: Wildlife in the City, showcasing the harmonious coexistence of urban dwellers and biodiversity; Charming Neighborhoods, celebrating eco-conscious urban design; and Green at Heart, highlighting sustainable human actions in cities. The cycle featured standout images like a Hungarian city-fox in Lovasbereny and a Milan park dance, sparking global dialogue on urban sustainability. Judged by a pre-selection committee of EEA communication experts and an external jury of environmental communicators, entries are evaluated for creativity, relevance, technical skill, and persuasiveness, using digital curation tools for streamlined selection. The contest welcomes amateur and professional photographers, fostering inclusivity across Europe and beyond.
Wildlife in the City celebrates urban biodiversity, from curious foxes exploring gardens to birdhouses in city parks or deer in green corridors. It underscores the role of cities as habitats for species like bats, squirrels, and urban pollinators, promoting biodiversity conservation. Charming Neighborhoods highlights sustainable urban spaces, capturing solar-powered streetlights, native plant landscaping, pedestrian-friendly designs, or community composting hubs. Images may also feature vertical forests or repurposed industrial zones, reflecting eco-innovation. Green at Heart focuses on human-driven sustainability, showcasing actions like tree planting, urban gardening, cycling initiatives, or reduce-reuse-recycle practices that foster vibrant community life.
Since 2009, the EEA Photo Competition has amplified eco-conscious narratives, with winners featured in EEA’s Signals Report and exhibitions across Copenhagen, Lisbon, and Amsterdam. Conducted in English, it ensures global accessibility, with submissions from Romania, Spain, Portugal, and Serbia. Supported by the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, the cycle aims to attract 1,500+ entries, promoting sustainable urban living and environmental stewardship. Social campaigns on drive 2 million+ impressions, spotlighting creators (2024 youth winner). Join global eco-photographers to capture urban green harmony, inspire sustainable change, and shape a brighter future at EEA Environment & Me 2026!
Finalists are announced with public voting for the Public Choice Award and winners revealed. Unleash your eco-visionary lens, celebrate urban sustainability, and inspire global action with EEA Environment & Me 2026!
EEA Environment & Me 2026, Urban Green Photo Contest:
Host Country:
•Denmark
Host Organization:
•European Environment Agency
Mode of Competition:
•Online Submissions
Benefits of EEA Photo Competition:
•There is no entry fee.
•Winners in each category will receive a cash prize of 1000 EUR.
•All participants must be 18 or older. For the Youth Category the age limit is 18-24.
•Cash of 500 EUR will be awarded in the youth prize category which will be given to a person aged between 18-24 years old.
•The winner of the public choice award will be given a 500 EUR cash prize.
•Chance to get your work featured in publications and exhibitions.
•The competition is online, and you do not have to travel anywhere.
Eligibility Criteria for EEA Photo Competition:
Applicants applying:
1. Must be citizens of the EU 27 Member States, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, Türkiye, North Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia or Herzegovina.
2. Must have taken photographs in the countries mentioned above.
3. Must be 18 years or older than this.
4. Should have copyrights of the submitted material.
5. Must read the rules of submission.
6. Can submit up to 5 entries.
7. Should fill in a separate form for each entry.
8. Do not submit incomplete entries as they will be disqualified.
9. Should not promote or advertise any product or service.
10. Must not be EEA employees or their relatives.
11. Should submit the photos captured using the camera.
12. Must not submit artificially generated images.
Documents Required for EEA Photo Competition:
1. Proof of citizenship.
2. Proof of age.
3. Images in electronic format to upload in the application form.
Program Deadline:
• Registration deadline for 2025 has passed.
• Registration for 2026 is now open with a tentative deadline in May 2026!
Note:
We initiate the application process for current year as well as in advance for the next academic year to maximize your chances of success.
