The 2025 Access City Award competition is now open for applications. This European award recognises cities which have undertaken outstanding work to become more accessible for persons with disabilities.

The 2025 Access City Award is now open for applications.

This is one of the oldest and most prestigious EU awards, and it is the only one that recognises cities that have done outstanding work to become more accessible for persons with disabilities.

This year is particularly important as it marks the 15th anniversary of the award. Over the past 14 years, 70 cities have been awarded, including 14 1st prize winners among them. The most recent city to receive the prestigious award was San Cristóbal de La Laguna (Spain).

The award is organised by the European Commission in partnership with the European Disability Forum. The winner and runners-up will receive a monetary prize:

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

In addition, the EU Jury may decide to award up to five “Special Mentions” if there are cities that have done exceptional work in a particular key area of accessibility (e.g., built environment and public space; transport, and related infrastructure; information and communication, including ICT; or public facilities and services).

This year, the European Commission also intends to award an ‘Accessible Sports Infrastructure’ Special Mention to a city that demonstrates how they feature accessibility in their sports infrastructure. 

The winners will be announced at the award ceremony during the European Day of Persons with Disabilities conference taking place on 29 November 2024.

How can my city apply?

Cities across the EU with over 50 000 inhabitants are eligible to apply. If a country has fewer than two cities with 50 000 inhabitants, two or more smaller towns with a combined population of 50 000 can apply.

Applications must be made by completing and submitting an online application by 10 September 2024 23:59h at the latest.

A guidance note for applicants and the participation rules are available in all official EU languages in this page below.

The selection process is divided into two phases: pre-selection at national level and final selection at European level. The national juries in each country shortlist a maximum of three cities. Out of the pre-selected candidates, the European Jury selects the winners.

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