The award was for work on a particular subject that had not previously been published as a book.
In its later years it was open to photographers anywhere: European nationality or residence was not required.
At the time of its apparent end in 2015, two publishers, Dewi Lewis (Britain) and Peliti Associati (Italy) had participated every year since the start.
In France, Marval published the winner from 1994 to 1996, Fernand Hazan [fr] in 1997 and 1998, and Actes Sud thereafter.
In Spain, Lunwerg Editores published the winner from 1994 to 2010; and, after a break of one year, Editorial Blume resumed in 2012.