The Europe Theatre Prize was created by the European Commission in 1986-87 as a pilot programme in the field of theatre. It is recognised by the European Parliament and Council as a “European cultural interest organisation”. Its aims are to promote the knowledge and spread of drama throughout Europe, to advance the development of cultural relationships and to enrich the collective European consciousness. The Union of European Theatres is associate and supporting body, while the International Association of Theatre Critics, the Instituto Internacional del Teatro del Mediterráneo, the International Theatre Institute - UNESCO and European Festival Association are associate bodies. The Europe Theatre Prize is awarded to personalities or theatre companies that have contributed to the realization of cultural events that have promoted understanding and the exchange of knowledge between peoples. The Europe Theatre Prize is worth 60,000 euros. The Europe Prize New Theatrical Realities has been awarded alongside the Europe Theatre Prize since its third year. The Europe Prize New Theatrical Realities is aimed at encouraging emerging trends and initiatives in European drama. On the occasion of the 11th edition, the Europe Prize New Theatrical Realities is worth 30,000 euros. Both prizes must be collected personally by the winners. The jury comprises personalities from the world of culture and art, critics and cultural operators, who are representative of European theatre, and over the years has guaranteed that all the different EU countries are equally represented. The Permanent Secretary and the representatives of the associate organizations have full voting rights on the jury. The jury is assisted in its selection of the candidates for the Europe Prize New Theatrical Realities by a council composed of the members of the associated organizations, past winners of the Europe Theatre Prize and former members of the jury, as well as representatives from the most important festivals and critics from major European newspapers. The prize-giving ceremony is the culmination of a series of events comprising workshops, meetings and seminars aimed at analysing the work and performance of the prize-winners, together with creative events including the presentation of prize-winners’ productions, works in progress and open rehearsals, video retrospectives and publications. The programme includes a section called Returns, where productions may be presented, and interactive sessions held, with artists who have won the Europe Prize and the New Theatrical Realities Prize in past years. These are intended to follow prize winners’ careers, and offer an opportunity for comparison and exchange. Further debates, round tables, workshops, and study seminars also foster a better understanding of the problems of European theatre. Above all, the prize offers a platform for the ongoing promotion of European culture.