About the 2025 Award
Calling all diversity and inclusion cities 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 seeks to recognise 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.
Are you interested in applying, but would like to know more on the Award and put forward your questions? Join us for one of the webinars:
Award categories
There are two main categories:
- Local authorities with less than 50 000 inhabitants
- Local authorities with more than 50 000 inhabitants
In 2025, a Specific Award will also be given to local authorities for their work on ‘inclusive housing’.
There will be three winners per category (first, second, and third place). The size of the local authority is not considered for the Specific Award.
You can submit your application in any EU official language.
Applications will close on 7th February 2025 12:00 CET.
Find out who the winners are at the Award ceremony on 29 April 2025.
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 the Award Secretariat at eudiversity_award
vo-europe [dot] eu (eudiversity_award[at]vo-europe[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.
Application Process
Who can apply?
The competition is open for local authorities such as cities, towns or regions in the EU. The applications must be made by an official representative.
Applicants will be asked to describe key initiatives promoting diversity and inclusion.
Initiatives that comprehensively address different grounds of discrimination (sex, age, disability, LGBTIQ identity, religion or belief and racial or ethnic origin) and demonstrate an intersectional approach will be an asset.
For more details see the Rules of the Competition
Timeline
- Opening of Applications
26 November 2024 - Opening of the applications process
- Closing of Applications
7 February 2025 - Closing of the applications process
- Evaluation by Experts
February 2025 - Evaluation by the independent experts
- Evaluation by European Juries
March 2025 - Evaluation by the European Juries (General competition and ‘inclusive housing’ -Specific Award)
- Information to Applicants
March / April 2025 - Information to applicants
- Award Ceremony
29 April 2025 - Ceremony of the European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity Awards 2025
How to apply?
- Applicants must create a profile and apply via the online application form.
- Please complete all sections of the online application form here and submit it by 7 February 2025, 12:00 CET.
- Applications can be completed in any of the official languages of the EU. They will be translated into English using an automated translator. Where possible, applicants are encouraged to submit their project proposal in English to facilitate the handling of the proposals.
- Applicants can also upload or provide a link to a 10-slide PowerPoint presentation to illustrate their application.
- Applicants must attach a Declaration of honour (Annex III) signed by the mayor or the highest-ranking representative, authorised by national law to legally represent the town/city/region.
See the Guidance Note for details on the application process.
Winners 2024
Winner of 2024 Award
Information on last year winners
The seven winning towns, cities and regions stand out in a strong field of shortlisted candidates for their contribution to a more equal and inclusive Europe. They have demonstrated creativity and commitment in implementing a breadth of initiatives to advance outcomes of equal inclusion for people across the diversity of age, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, sex, disability, and LGBTIQ, and underpinning these with effective strategies, institutional structures and organisational systems.
The winners came from five EU countries and included Zagreb, Växjö kommun, La Laguna, Corbetta, Miranda de Ebro, Casares and Ljubljana.
Learn more about their journey and their story below.
Inspired? Apply now
Applications for the 2025 edition close on 7 February 2025 12:00 CET.
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.