European Commission Access City Award 2026
The European Commission Access City Award recognizes EU cities that prioritize accessibility for persons with disabilities. Since 2010, this initiative, in collaboration with the European Disability Forum, has rewarded cities that ensure accessibility to services, buildings, and spaces, enabling persons with disabilities to live independently and fully participate in their communities.
📅 Key Details
- Date Published: July 17, 2025
- Application Deadline: September 9, 2025, 23:59 CEST (GMT+2)
- Category: Contest
- Eligible Locations: Europe
- Sponsor Organization: European Union
🌟 About the Award
Accessibility is a key factor in enabling persons with disabilities to lead independent lives. Cities play a crucial role in ensuring accessibility, impacting the daily lives and needs of citizens. An accessible city allows persons with disabilities to:
- Access information in formats they can read and understand.
- Navigate streets and enjoy public areas like parks and playgrounds.
- Enter public buildings such as hospitals, libraries, and sports halls.
- Use public transportation like buses, trams, and metros.
- Communicate with local administrations in person, by phone, or online.
💰 Benefits
The winners and runners-up will receive monetary prizes:
- 1st Place: EUR 150,000
- 2nd Place: EUR 120,000
- 3rd Place: EUR 80,000
Special Mentions
- Accessibility in Housing: Awarded to a city addressing the housing crisis while ensuring accessibility for persons with disabilities.
- Additional Special Mentions may be awarded for exceptional work in specific areas of accessibility.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
The Access City Award is open to:
- EU cities with over 50,000 inhabitants.
- Urban areas composed of two or more towns with a combined population of over 50,000 inhabitants, in EU countries with fewer than two cities of this size.
🏅 Selection Process
The selection process consists of two phases:
- Pre-selection at the national level: National juries shortlist up to two cities per country.
- Final selection at the European level: The European Jury selects the winners.
Evaluation Criteria
The juries evaluate accessibility measures in the following areas:
- Built environment and public spaces
- Transport and related infrastructure
- Information and communication, including new technologies
- Public facilities and services
- Accessibility considerations in housing (for the Special Mention)
📝 Application Process
- Application Deadline: September 9, 2025, 23:59 CEST (GMT+2)
- Applications must be submitted electronically via the online application platform.
Important Notes
- Read the Rules of Contest and Guidance Note for applicants before submitting your application.
- All contest documents are available on the online application platform.
🔗 Useful Links
- Details about the European Commission Access City Award
- Apply for the European Commission Access City Award
This is a fantastic opportunity for cities to showcase their commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. Don't miss the chance to apply!
- 1st place: EUR 150,000
- 2nd place: EUR 120,000
- 3rd place: EUR 80,000
- Special Mention for Accessibility in Housing for a city addressing the housing crisis while ensuring accessibility for persons with disabilities.
