Commissioner for Equality, Helena Dalli, is delighted to launch the Access City Award 2025 edition

Watch the launch video:

This EU award recognises cities that have done outstanding work to become more accessible for persons with disabilities. The award is organised by the European Commission in partnership with the European Disability Forum. The winner and runners-up receive a monetary prize:

• 1st place: EUR 150 000
• 2nd place: EUR 120 000
• 3rd place: EUR 80 000

Applicants may also receive a Special Mention award if they have done exceptional work on accessibility in a particular area. For example, on built environment and public space; mobility, transport, and related infrastructure; information and communication, including ICT; or public facilities and services.

The 2025 Access City Award competition is now open for applications. Cities across the EU with over 50 000 inhabitants are eligible to apply. If a country has fewer than two cities of this size, smaller cities can combine their populations to meet the 50 000-inhabitant requirement and apply together.

This year, in honour of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the European Commission intends to award a Special Mention on ‘Accessible Sports Infrastructure’. This aims to recognise a city that has made high-quality and inclusive sports experiences accessible to all. Alongside the health benefits sports can bring, they can also provide an avenue for inclusion, integration and cohesion.

The winners will be announced during the European Day of Persons with Disabilities Conference on 28 and 29 November 2024, with first, second and third place prizes and up to five special mentions being awarded, including the Special Mention for Accessible Sports Infrastructure.

 Applications must be completed and submitted online by 10 September 2024 (23:59 CET). Could your city be the 2025 EU winner?