The 2025 Access City Award competition is now open for applications. This European award recognises cities which have undertaken outstanding work to become more accessible for persons with disabilities. This is one of the oldest and most prestigious EU awards, and it is the only one that recognises cities that have done outstanding work to become more accessible for persons with disabilities.

This year is particularly important as it marks the 15th anniversary of the award. Over the past 14 years, 70 cities have been awarded, including 14 1st prize winners among them. The most recent city to receive the prestigious award was San Cristóbal de La Laguna (Spain).

The award is organised by the European Commission in partnership with the European Disability Forum.  This year, the European Commission also intends to award an ‘Accessible Sports Infrastructure’ Special Mention to a city that demonstrates how they feature accessibility in their sports infrastructure.  The winners will be announced at the award ceremony during the European Day of Persons with Disabilities conference taking place on 29 November 2024.

Cities across the EU with over 50 000 inhabitants are eligible to apply. If a country has fewer than two cities with 50 000 inhabitants, two or more smaller towns with a combined population of 50 000 can apply. Applications must be made by completing and submitting an online application by 10 September 2024 at the latest.