Access City Award 2026: Applications are open! 

The Access City Award, established by the European Commission, recognises cities that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to improving accessibility for persons with disabilities. Ecorys has proudly delivered 11 previous editions of the Award, drawing on our deep experience to enhance every aspect of its delivery.  

We continuously build on lessons learned to increase city participation, raise the visibility of both the Award and its winners, and strengthen connections through the Access City Award Network (ACAN)—ensuring lasting impact and shared progress in accessibility across Europe. 

Since 2010, the European Commission organises the Access City Award, in collaboration with the European Disability Forum, to reward EU cities that are prioritising accessibility for persons with disabilities. 

Accessibility is a master-key that opens the door to the city’s services, buildings and spaces, so persons with disabilities can take the lead of their lives, live independently and fully participate in the community. 

Cities are key actors to ensure accessibility, as they have a direct impact on our everyday life and needs as citizens. A city is accessible when persons with disabilities can, for instance: 

• go around the streets and enjoy public areas, such as parks and playgrounds. 

• get in public buildings like hospitals, town halls, libraries, and sports halls. 

• get the bus, tram and metro to go to work or meet friends. 

• communicate with the local administration in person, by phone or online. 

• get information in ways that they can read and understand. 

Ecorys has been newly entrusted with the full delivery of the Access City Award on behalf of DG JUST for this year. Our responsibilities include: 

• Comprehensive project management and coordination, covering all stages of the competition — from launching the call for applications to delivering an accessible application form, clear guidance notes, and competition rules. 

• Updating and managing the database of eligible cities across all EU Member States, and proactively reaching out to them via targeted communications. 

• Recruiting national and European jurors, providing a user-friendly platform for city evaluations, and organising the EU Jury meeting at which the finalists are selected. 

• Delivering the Award Ceremony, which will gather all finalist cities and high-level representatives from the European Commission. 

• Communication and promotion of the award to encourage applications, promote the finalists, the winners and raise awareness on the importance accessibility.  

In addition, Ecorys leads the communication and promotion efforts, aiming to boost awareness of the Award, encourage participation, celebrate the achievements of finalists and winners, and highlight the broader importance of accessibility. 

At Ecorys, we are immensely proud to support the Access City Award initiative. Our work reflects our firm commitment to advancing accessibility, equality, and inclusion in urban environments — values that are central to who we are and everything we do. 

Applications for the 2026 editions are now open. More information is available here.