Key Takeaways
- Six EU‑funded projects received REGIOSTARS awards in Brussels on 14 Oct 2026
- The ceremony highlights the EU’s cohesion policy goals and encourages replication of best practices
- The awards feed into the design of the 2028‑2034 cohesion programme and next ceremony is expected in Oct 2027
The European Commission announced on 14 October 2026 that six outstanding EU‑funded projects were honoured at the REGIOSTARS Awards in Brussels, the closing event of the 24th European Week of Regions and Cities. The ceremony recognised the projects and the people behind them for delivering lasting contributions to the Union’s cohesion objectives, according to the Commission’s press release. The awardees were selected from a pool of more than 250 applications submitted by regional and local authorities, NGOs and businesses across the bloc. The awards underscore the EU’s broader cohesion strategy, which seeks to reduce disparities between regions and promote sustainable development through the 2021‑2027 Cohesion Policy framework. By spotlighting exemplary initiatives, the Commission aims to encourage the replication of best practices in areas such as green transition, digital inclusion and social cohesion, thereby strengthening the single market’s territorial resilience. REGIOSTARS, organised annually during European Week of Regions and Cities, serves as a pan‑European platform for sharing successful regional policies and fostering cross‑border collaboration. For citizens and enterprises, the recognition signals continued EU commitment to channel funding into projects that generate tangible, long‑term benefits at the local level. The awards also feed into the preparatory work for the 2028‑2034 cohesion programme, where lessons learned will inform funding priorities. The next REGIOSTARS ceremony is slated for October 2027, coinciding with the 25th European Week of Regions and Cities, offering another opportunity to showcase innovative regional actions across Europe.
Source: European Commission. Read the original report ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the REGIOSTARS award?
REGIOSTARS is an annual EU award presented during the European Week of Regions and Cities to recognise projects that make lasting contributions to the Union’s cohesion objectives.
When will the next REGIOSTARS ceremony take place?
The next edition is expected in October 2027, alongside the 25th European Week of Regions and Cities, following the tradition of holding the awards each October.