Launched in 2001 as a one-off event, the European Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition quickly established itself as an integral part of international photography competitions in the years that followed.
The continued success of the competition can be attributed above all to the endeavor to meet the high demands of modern nature photography every year anew. Innovation and creativity have been the focus from the very beginning - whether through the use of new techniques or the courage to create unusual compositions. The aim has always been to reflect the diversity of nature photography themes in a contemporary way: from unseen behaviors and rare species to intimate animal portraits and dreamy plant images to critical examinations of nature and species conservation issues.

Every year, the German Society for Nature Photography (GDT) invites all amateur and professional photographers from all over Europe to take part in the European Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.