Youth from Europe or Central Asia that were born in 1989 -- and thus celebrate(d) their 20th birthday in 2009 -- are encouraged to write an essay of no more than 1,500 words sharing their thoughts on how life in their countries has evolved for the past two decades since the fall of the Iron Curtain. Deadline to apply: December 31.

An international panel of prominent writers will select the finalists, and the best essays will be published. Winners will be invited to an awards ceremony in London in Spring 2010 and the first prize will be an internship at the Financial Times newspaper.

The competition is organized by the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), an international financial institution that supports projects in 30 countries. Entries may be in English, Russian or any other language spoken in the EBRD countries of operations.

To get more information, go to http://www.ebrd.com/bornin89/