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Promoting diversity in the EU
European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity Awards
The Award

European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity Award

About the 2026 Award

Calling all inclusive cities, towns and regions around Europe 

European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity Award recognises, gives visibility to, and highlights the work done by a town, city or region that can be a source of inspiration for other European cities in creating more diverse, discrimination-free and inclusive environments for their citizens. It recognises best practices that promote diversity (in terms of sex, age, disability, LGBTIQ identity, religion or belief and racial or ethnic origin) as a source of richness and innovation, contribute to inclusive policies and systems, and foster a feeling of belonging for all its citizens. 

The award is one of the deliverables of the EU anti-racism action plan and LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025 and it shows how action at all levels is essential if we want to turn the tide and build a Union of Equality.

The 2026 European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity Award will be launched this Autumn!

 

Join our webinar

Would you like to know more about the Award? Are you interested in applying? Would you like to know how to write a good application? Join our information webinars on 20 November and 9 December 2025.

Register for the webinars: 

  • here for 20 November 2025 (10.00-11.00 CET)
  • here for 9 December 2025 (14.00 - 15.00 CET)

Meet us in October at the #EURegionsWeek

Subscribe to #DiversityCapitals newsletter

Award categories

#DiversityCapitals throphy

Find out more about who and how your town, city or region could apply for the European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity Award

Winners and shortlisted of the Award

Discover everything about past and current winners

Timeline

(indicative timeline, more details after the launch of the Award)

  1. Opening of Applications

    October - November 2025

  2. Information webinars

    20 November and 9 December 2025

  3. Closing of Applications

    30 January 2026 at 12:00 CET

  4. Evaluation by Experts

    February 2026

  5. Evaluation by European Juries

    March 2026

  6. Information to Applicants

     March / April 2026

  7. Award Ceremony in Brussels

    21 April 2026 

Winners and finalists of the Award

Inspire the EU, build a Union of Equality

The Award is about more than recognition. Our winners will inspire other towns, cities and regions by sharing best practices and winning policies. This will take us all a step further to a Union of Equality and a more equal society. 

 
Questions about the Award? 

If you have questions: 

  • Check out the rules and guidelines
  • Contact us at eudiversity_awardatvo-europe [dot] eu (JUST-CITY-AWARDS[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu)

 

Spread the word 

We need your support. Spread the word on social media with #DiversityCapitals and subscribe to our newsletter. 

 

Thank you 

The concept of the Award has been prepared in consultation with colleagues from across the European Commission including those in the Directorates-General for Justice and Consumers, Regional and Urban Policy, Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, Environment and the Secretariat-General. We have also worked with the Committee of the Regions. 

 

Organisations outside the European institutions have also supported us:

Newsletter

Subscribe to #DiversityCapitals, the newsletter of the European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity Award 

#DiversityCapitals is the official newsletter of the European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity Award. Sign up below to receive the latest news and announcements in the lead up to the Award ceremony . Along with a snapshot of recent highlights, you will receive ready-to-use assets (social media posts, visuals etc.) and key dates for your diaries. Some of the resources will be downloadable from this website. 

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