All applications are first screened for their eligibility. While there are countless habitats and species worth protecting and conserving across the world, this Award focuses specifically on the Natura 2000 network. Applications must therefore refer to a Natura 2000 site, be based in the EU, present results achieved in the last five years, and refer to species and / or habitat types in the annexes of the Directives (if they refer to particular species / habitat types in the application). The full eligibility requirements are explained in the guidelines for applicants.

All eligible applications are currently being assessed by an independent evaluation team for their effectiveness, originality, durability, costs and benefits and replicability. From these applications, a shortlist will be established - based on the scores received – which is then sent to a high-level Jury to decide on the winners for each category. In parallel, the public votes directly for their favourite shortlisted applicant to win the European Citizens’ Award.