Deadline: September 9, 2025
Are you part of a city working to make life more accessible for persons with disabilities? The Access City Award 2026 is your chance to gain recognition and funding for your efforts. Organised by the European Commission in partnership with the European Disability Forum, the competition celebrates cities that have shown excellence in improving accessibility across built environments, infrastructure, communication, and services.
With over €350,000 in prize money and the opportunity to spotlight inclusive urban development, the Access City Award 2026 is a premier opportunity for forward-thinking municipalities in the EU.
About the Access City Award
Now in its 16th edition, the Access City Award is part of the EU’s broader commitment to creating barrier-free, inclusive environments for people with disabilities. The award not only highlights cities making significant progress but also encourages peer learning and policy innovation across Europe.
This year introduces a Special Mention for Accessibility in Housing, spotlighting cities working to address the housing crisis while maintaining high accessibility standards.
Who Can Apply?
The competition is open to:
- All EU cities with over 50,000 inhabitants, or
- Urban areas comprising two or more towns with a combined population exceeding 50,000 (for countries with fewer large cities).
Applications must demonstrate a strategic approach to accessibility in:
- Built environments and public spaces
- Transport and related infrastructure
- Information and communication technologies (ICT)
- Public facilities and services
Key Dates
- 📅 Application Deadline: 9 September 2025 at 23:59 CEST
- 📢 Finalists Announcement: November 2025
- 🏅 Award Ceremony: 4–5 December 2025 at the European Day of Persons with Disabilities conference in Brussels
Prizes and Special Mentions
The award recognises cities at different levels of achievement with both cash prizes and honorary mentions:
| Award Level | Prize Amount |
|---|---|
| 🥇 1st Prize | €150,000 |
| 🥈 2nd Prize | €120,000 |
| 🥉 3rd Prize | €80,000 |
| 🏅 Special Mentions | Non-monetary, themed (e.g. housing, sports, culture) |
The Special Mention for Accessibility in Housing is a new addition in 2026, reflecting the growing need for inclusive urban housing solutions.
Application Process
Required Documents:
- Application form (in English or any EU official language)
- Mayoral declaration
- Declaration of honour
- Financial identification form
- Legal entity form
- Optional 10-slide PowerPoint presentation showcasing key accessibility achievements
🔗 Application Links:
Why It Matters: A Look Back at 2025 Winners
The 2025 Access City Award was won by Vienna, Austria, for its outstanding public transport accessibility, inclusive housing, and ICT innovation. Other notable winners:
- Nuremberg, Germany (2nd place): Honoured for its inclusive sports infrastructure.
- Cartagena, Spain (3rd place): Celebrated for accessible cultural and tourism initiatives.
These cities provide inspiration for others looking to lead in inclusion and accessibility.
Get Expert Help
Need support crafting a competitive application? Contact grantsdatabase.org for expert assistance with proposal drafting, refining, and review. Our team specialises in accessibility-focused programmes and can help your city stand out.
Don’t miss this opportunity to highlight your city’s commitment to inclusion—apply for the Access City Award 2026 today!
