EU 2027 Access City Award - Applications Invited
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The countdown is on for the 2027 Access City Award. Cities across the EU still have 2 weeks to submit their applications and showcase how they are improving accessibility through concrete measures, long-term strategies and meaningful cooperation with persons with disabilities.
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 two cities with over 50 000 inhabitants.
Create your city application now
Applications will be assessed on accessibility measures taken and planned in:
- built environment and public spaces
- transport and related infrastructure
- information and communication, including ICT
- public facilities and services
Applying is an opportunity to showcase your city's accessibility achievements, share good practices with cities across Europe and gain recognition for your commitment to making your city more accessible.
The winner and runners-up will receive a monetary prize:
1st place: EUR 150 000
2nd place: EUR 120 000
3rd place: EUR 80 000
This year, the European Commission also intends to award a Special Mention for Accessible Community-Based Services to a city promoting local services that support persons with disabilities in their daily activities, preventing them from living in institutions and keeping them as full members of city life.
Applications close on 4 September 2026 at 12:00 PM CEST (midday) - don’t miss out!
What winning cities have in common
Previous Access City Award winners have shown that there is no single path to accessibility. While each city faces different challenges, successful applications often share a number of common characteristics.
Strong candidates demonstrate a long-term vision, involvement of persons with disabilities in decision-making, measurable results and a clear commitment to continuous improvement. They show not only what has been achieved, but also how accessibility is embedded across policies, services and public spaces.
Across recent winning cities, several lessons stand out in their applications:
- Make accessibility part of the city’s everyday life: from accessible crossings and step-free public transport, to inclusive public services, including in their communications.
- Work with persons with disabilities: winning cities show clear cooperation with representative organisations and accessibility councils.
- Use data and concrete examples: strong applications explain what has changed, who has benefited and how progress is monitored.
- Plan for continuity: accessibility is strongest when it is supported by long-term strategies, dedicated teams and stable resources.
Further information: European Commission Access City Award Website