Together we can uphold equality and diversity and strive to be inclusive​

Launched within the EU's Anti-Racism Action Plan 2020-2025 and the LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025,  the European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity Award is a part of the Commission's work towards a Union of Equality.

The European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity Award has one single aim: to highlight – and reward - towns, cities and regions across the EU that act as a beacon, that lead by example in terms of inclusive policies.

The winners of this year's Awards, as announced during a ceremony held on 28 April 2022, come from five Member States: Croatia, Germany, Romania, Spain and Sweden. The jury agreed they deserved the award for their outstanding work to build fairer societies by promoting diversity and inclusion. For the purpose of the awards, diversity and inclusion covered a broad range of aspects such as sex, racial and ethnic origin, religion and belief, disability, age, LGBTIQ rights and Roma integration.

Out of more than 80 applications received between November 2021 and 15 February 2022, the jury selected 27 finalists from which the panel of experts picked three winners – gold, silver and bronze medalists - in each of the three categories.

Meet the winners

The German city of Köln is the gold-winner in the 'local authorities above 50,000 inhabitants' category. The jury commended it for its strategy to enhance diversity and inclusion. Gothenburg, Sweden (silver) and Barcelona, Spain (bronze) are the two other medalists in that category.

Croatia's Koprivnica is the gold-winner for 'local authorities with fewer than 50,000 inhabitants'. This local authority adopted a strategy to support people with disabilities. Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany (silver) and Antequera, Spain (bronze) complete the podium.

Andalucía, Spain, is the gold-winner of the third, Roma-specific category for its Comprehensive Plan for the Inclusion of the Roma Community, followed by Gothenburg, Sweden (silver) and Garninari, Romania (bronze).

Andaloucia featured high in the competition as the winner of the public vote is the town of Antequera, in Andaloucia​.

Introducing the winners​ Vice-President Jourová said: “As we celebrate the winners, we are reminded of the importance of such initiatives in support of the values which represent our union, at whichever level that may be."

Commissioner Dalli added: “Today, these local authorities have showcased in the best possible way how together we can uphold equality and diversity and strive to be inclusive for all."

If you would like to be informed about the upcoming Awards, subscribe to #DiversityCapitals Newsletter!

You can find out more about the Awards here.

You can watch the Awards ceremony here.