A social housing project in Ostrava, Czech Republic and a project on social integration of refugees in Murcia, Spain were rewarded as some of this year's best Cohesion Policy projects.

The RegioStars Awards identify good practices in regional development and highlight original and innovative projects that are attractive and inspiring to other regions.

102 applications have been submitted this year to the RegioStars Awards. Two projects funded by the European Social Fund were among the winners:

Social Housing in the City of Ostrava - Moravia-Silesian Region, Czech Republic

Ostrava, the Czech Republic’s third largest city, has piloted social housing to improve social inclusion in the Moravian-Silesian region. The project has renovated 105 apartments for families who would otherwise live in sub-standard housing, with five set aside as emergency homes. It has also developed processes to access housing, a framework to cooperate with city districts, and social support for tenants. Tenants can more easily stabilise their lives and participate in society, while their low rent returns a profit to the city.

More information - Social Housing in the City of Ostrava

Labour Integration and Social Inclusion of Refugees - Murcia, Spain

Refugees in the Spanish region of Murcia are receiving personal plans and ‘one-stop-shop’ support to find work and settle into the local community. An integration and inclusion programme by Murcia’s Regional Employment and Training Service (SEF) offers courses, help to obtain documents and job-matching adapted to each refugee’s needs. Spain’s Service for Social Policies, SEF and four NGOs also contribute expert staff and services, while participating businesses receive advice on how to employ refugees. Refugees can integrate more easily, while the region can make full use of their skills.

More information - Labour Integration and Social Inclusion of Refugees