The European Commission has opened applications for the 2026 Access City Awards, inviting EU cities with over 50,000 inhabitants to apply by 9 September 2025 for recognition of their efforts to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities.
Now in its 16th edition, the award programme has recognized 73 cities since 2010 and offers substantial monetary prizes of €150,000 for first place, €120,000 for second, and €80,000 for third place. This year introduces a new Special Mention for Accessibility in Housing, addressing the housing crisis while ensuring accessibility, and the jury evaluates cities based on their comprehensive approach to accessibility across built environments, transport infrastructure, information and communication technologies, and public facilities and services.
Winners will be announced on 4-5 December 2025 during the European Day of Persons with Disabilities conference, organised in collaboration with the European Disability Forum.
Download the entry form here.