We are happy to announce that the 5th edition of the European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity Award was launched on 28 October 2025. This award is one of the deliverables of the EU anti-racism action plan and LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy 2026 - 2030 and it shows how action at all levels is essential if we want to turn the tide and build a Union of Equality.
The award sets out to recognize, give visibility, and to highlight best practices that can be a source of inspiration for other European cities in creating more diverse and inclusive environments for their citizens. It aims to award best practices that promote diversity as a source of richness and innovation, contribute to inclusive policies and fostering a feeling of belonging of its citizens.
The Award will recognise three cities in two categories:
- local authorities with less than 50 000 inhabitants
- local authorities with more than 50 000 inhabitants
In 2026, a "Specific Award for local authorities creating “inclusive labour markets for all” will also be handed out. There will be three winners in this category (the number of inhabitants is not a factor for this award). The Award is open to all local authorities, including towns, cities and regions of the EU Member States. Best practices covering all grounds of discrimination under article 19 of TFEU and their intersectionality are eligible.
Local authorities are invited to submit their applications by 30 January 2026, 12:00 CET.
The Award ceremony will take place on 21 April 2026 in Brussels. It will be organised in the evening preceding the EU Diversity Month launch event, since it is closely linked to the already existing actions of the European Commission in promoting diversity and inclusion.
How can you show your support?
- Promote the European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity Award on social media, throughout relevant newsletters and meetings
- Help us disseminate information about this Award among your stakeholders. You can share DG JUST social media posts: LinkedIn EU Rights, Facebook EU Justice and Consumers, X - @EU_Justice
- When communicating about the Award, please use the #DiversityCapitals.
- Invite your stakeholders to sign up for the dedicated #DiversityCapitals newsletter.
- Share within your network our dedicated webinars organised on: 20 November 2025 (10.00-11.00 CET) and 9 December 2025 (14.00 - 15.00 CET).
What resources are available to you?
Website dedicated to the EU Diversity initiatives is available in all official EU languages – it includes a link to the application form for the Award competition and a media backgrounder. More useful materials, such as social media toolkits, press releases, visuals, will follow.
Need more information?
Sign up for #DiversityCapitals newsletter.
With more concrete questions, you can contact JUST D1 at JUST-CITY-AWARDS@ec.europa.eu.