The EU Infopoint announced the winners of the environment themed competition for school students at a prize ceremony and exhibition on June 30 from 15:00 – 17:00 at Atatürk Kültür Merkezi (AKM). The importance of environmental protection and the EU policies on environment were highlighted at the event.

The EU Infopoint organised this event as part of the Green Week activities to award the successful artworks on environment and to raise awarenss about environmental policies of the EU. The event created an opportunity for children, young people and their parents to compare environmental priorities and policies of the EU with local environmental priorities.

The EU has some of the world's highest environmental standards. Environment policy helpsgreen the EU economy, protect nature, and safeguard the health and quality of life of people living in the EU. Since the early 1970s Europe has been firmly committed to the environment: protection of air and water quality, conservation of resources and protection of biodiversity, waste management and control of activities which have an adverse environmental impact are just some of the areas in which the EU is active, at both Member State level and internationally. 

The artworks and photos created by the students show that environmental awareness needs to be coupled with actions to address the environmental concerns of the community. Protection of the environment is everyone’s responsibility and even small actions like putting rubbish in the bin or keeping our areas clean can make a difference.