Access City Award 2025

Who can apply?

The Access City Award is open to

• all EU cities of over 50 000 inhabitants
• urban areas composed of two or more towns with a combined population of over 50 000 inhabitants, if they are in EU countries with fewer than 2 cities with over 50 000 inhabitants

Why an Access City Award?

The Access City Award is part of the EU’s wider efforts to make life better for persons with disabilities through the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030 and the European Pillar of Social Rights.

This award remains a key example of the Commission working hand in hand with other government levels to turn this commitment to inclusion into a reality for persons with disabilities across the EU.

The Access City Award is an EU initiative that

• recognises efforts by cities to become more accessible
• promotes equal access to urban life for people with disabilities
• allows local authorities to promote and share their best practices

Awards

Winning cities receive a financial prize:

• 1st prize:  €150 000
• 2nd prize: €120 000
• 3rd prize:  €80 000

Selection

The juries will consider measures taken and planned in the following areas:

• built environment and public spaces
• transport and related infrastructure
• information and communication, including new technologies (ICTs)
• public facilities and services
• exemplary considerations of accessible sports infrastructure (for the Special Mention)

The successful applicant has to demonstrate a coherent approach to accessibility across all four areas and an ambitious vision.

Timeline

• 27 June 2024: launch of the competition
• 10 September 2024 23:59h: application deadline
• Beginning of November 2024: announcement of finalists
• 28-29 November 2024: announcement of winner, runners-up, and Special Mention(s) at the award ceremony, during the European Day of Persons with Disabilities conference.