The awards ceremony on 17 November in Evora, Portugal brought together project participants and policymakers for an evening of inspiration and appreciation. The Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, handed the awards to the three winning projects that had been selected via a public vote.
‘My warm congratulations to the winners of this year’s REGIOSTARS awards,’ said Commissioner Ferreira. ‘2022 marks the fifteenth anniversary of this important competition. Winners have provided inspiring best practices over the past 15 years, and showed the breadth, scope and innovativeness of EU-funded projects in creating jobs and improving citizens’ lives. These are best practices that we will continue to nourish and support.’
First place this year went to the ‘rehabilitation and restoration’ of the Cittadella Gozo in Malta.
The project restored and rehabilitated internal structures in the walls of an ancient, fortified city. Thanks to the new visitor centre and better accessibility, this impressive landmark will attract more tourists than ever, exploiting its potential to the fullest.
Second place was attributed to the e-Schools pilot project in Croatia that provided ICT equipment and digital education tools to 151 primary and secondary schools.
It helped 10 % of the country's schools to raise their ICT competencies for teaching and learning. With ongoing support and training for teachers and principals, the project’s comprehensive approach ensured long-term sustainability.
Third place went to the ‘PICSA Sustainable Construction Programme in Andalusia’.
This project helped reinvigorate the building sector in Andalusia, Spain, by introducing energy saving and more renewable energy in existing buildings. It also improved the competitiveness of local construction companies and reduced energy poverty among low-income families.
A lasting legacy
The evening was a fitting celebration of the ongoing impacts that Cohesion Policy has had across all regions.
Whether they be assisting environmental protection, social inclusion, culture and heritage, or the digital transition – thousands of EU-funded projects have enhanced local, regional and interregional partnerships.
Many of these activities continue after funding. While initial finances support beneficiaries to launch or revitalise a project, an overwhelming number become self-sufficient and forward-looking.
In the context of REGIOSTARS, this legacy can be seen in the short documentaries on the evolution of this years’ shortlisted projects since their original nominations.
Honouring innovation and inclusion
The REGIOSTARS Awards are organised every year and were first held in 2008, when a jury awarded five projects that promoted sustainable development and knowledge-based regional economies.
This year, the selection criteria was revised to commemorate the fifteenth anniversary.
were selected from finalists and winners of previous years. The shortlist encompassed the vast scope of regional features and project types; green, smart and inclusive initiatives were all represented from rural and urban areas.
The shortlist included a project from the EU’s outermost regions, which transformed a hydroelectric power station in Madeira to help generate power at any time and ensure that more water is available for irrigation and public supply.
The other projects shortlisted for 2022 included a social services application for mobile devices in Poland; a project that linked marine conservation efforts with commerce at a Portuguese port; a technology cluster in Greece that boosted the competitiveness of inventive companies; and a project strengthening relationships with the Sámi indigenous peoples in Sweden, Finland and Norway.
More to come
Looking ahead to next year and beyond, the format will evolve in line with the 2021-2027 programming period.
REGIOSTARS’ categories will be linked to new policy objectives and the selection process will take place in two steps, with finalists presenting their final pitch before a jury for a final decision on winners. At least one REGIOSTARS award will continue to be voted for by the public.
With fifteen years of inspirational regional development behind us, REGIOSTARS will long continue to champion cohesion funding successes and represent Europe’s label of excellence for EU-funded projects.
Find out more:
Commission announces the winners of the REGIOSTARS Awards 2022
