REGIOSTARS Awards 2026 - Call open!
The European Commission's Directorate-General for Regional Policy (DG REGIO) has launched a call for applications for the 2026 REGIOSTARS Awards. The annual prize, awarded since 2008, is awarded to EU-funded projects that have contributed to regional development in an effective and innovative way, while strengthening regional inclusion. Applying for the competition is an excellent opportunity to market the successes of your region, gain visibility and inspire other European actors. The closing date for applications is 22 May 2026. There are five categories of competition related to cohesion policy: A competitive and smart Europe Green Europe Achieve Europe Social and inclusive Europe Close to citizens Europe The winners will be selected at the European Week of Regions and Cities in Brussels. In 2026, the event will take place from 12 to 14 October. The EWRC is the largest annual conference on regional and urban policy, serving as a platform for knowledge and innovation at local and regional level. It provides an important platform for cities and regions to highlight their role in creating growth and jobs, implementing EU cohesion policy and the importance of local and regional government in European policy-making. Applications must be submitted in the EU Survey ‑ and accepted in all official EU languages. The application form and the materials supporting the application process can be found at the link below. An example of one of the previous REGIOSTARS finalists is the 2021 Filling the EU-Sápmi knowledge gaps ‑ project, which was carried out in the regions of Finland, Sweden and Norway. The project strengthened the dialogue between the EU and the Sámi people, developed the EU-Sápmi strategy and created new opportunities, especially for young Sámi people, to familiarise themselves with EU‑ policy, education and traineeships. The work highlighted the perspectives of indigenous peoples at EU‑ level and showed how cross-border cooperation can reduce knowledge gaps and support regional development. North Ostrobothnia has also been successful in the Region Stars competition. The project InnoHiili - Innovative low-carbon services, implemented by Iin Micropolis Oy and PROTO - Designers of Northern Finland and funded by the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia, won the Climate Change category in 2017. More information and guidance on how to apply can be found on the website of the European Commission's Region Stars competition. Figure: European Commission.
