The year 1991 marked a turning point in European and world history. The collapse of the Soviet Union, the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact, the emergence of newly independent states and the end of the Cold War transformed the political landscape of Europe and opened a new chapter for millions of people. Building on the momentum of peaceful democratic movements such as the Baltic Way, these events reshaped societies, economies and everyday lives across the continent.
More than three decades later, the legacy of 1991 continues to influence the world we live in. How did the end of the Cold War change Europe? Which hopes and expectations were fulfilled, and which remained unfulfilled? How do the events of that year continue to shape politics, identities, communities and international relations today?
This competition invites journalists to explore the legacy of 1991 through compelling stories that connect historical change with contemporary realities. We welcome investigative reporting, feature articles, interviews, audio and video productions, multimedia projects and personal narratives that revisit the events, people and ideas that defined this transformative period.
We are particularly interested in stories that uncover lesser-known experiences, examine the long-term consequences of political transformation, and reflect on how the hopes, fears and ambitions of 1991 continue to resonate in Europe and beyond. Through these stories, we seek to foster a deeper understanding of one of the most significant turning points in recent history and its enduring impact on our present and future.
