Cities across the EU are being invited to apply for the 2027 Access City Award, which recognises outstanding efforts to make urban life more accessible for persons with disabilities.
Organised by the European Commission in partnership with the European Disability Forum, the award is open to cities with over 50,000 inhabitants. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners will receive financial rewards in recognition of the success of the work done so far and to support further improvements on accessibility.
A city is accessible when persons with disabilities can move around safely and independently, access public spaces and buildings without obstacles, use public transport, communicate with local authorities, and obtain information in accessible formats.
As part of its wider efforts to promote their full participation in society, the Commission intends to award a special mention for ‘Accessible Community-Based Services’ in the 2027 edition. This award will recognise a city that supports independent living through local services that enable persons with disabilities to participate fully in urban life, avoiding institutionalisation and segregation.
Additional special mentions may be awarded to cities demonstrating exceptional achievements in areas such as the built environment and public spaces, mobility and transport, information and communication technologies, public services, smart city solutions, access to cultural heritage, or accessibility for persons with intellectual disabilities.
“The quality of a city is measured by whether everyone can use it”, said European Commissioner for Equality Hadja Lahbib: “Accessibility is freedom. Freedom to go to school, get to work, visit friends, use public services, and participate fully in society. Local authorities have the power to turn that freedom into reality for millions of Europeans with disabilities by removing barriers from everyday life.”
Cities can submit their applications until 4 September 2026 at 12:00 CEST. The winners will be announced during the European Day of Persons with Disabilities conference in Brussels on 4 December 2026.
