| Opened the application period for the Access City Award 2027, which distinguishes remarkable efforts by cities across Europe to make urban life more accessible to people with disabilities. Organised by the European Commission in partnership with European Disability Forum, cities with more than 50 000 inhabitants may apply for the prize. Cities ranked in the top three will receive financial prizes in recognition of the work already done to support further actions to improve accessibility. A city is considered accessible when persons with disabilities can move safely and independently, access public spaces and buildings without obstacles, use public transport, communicate with local authorities and obtain information in an accessible way. In the 2027 edition, as part of its broader efforts to promote the full participation of persons with disabilities in society, the Commission intends to award an honourable mention for ‘Accessibility to Nearby Services’. This award will recognise a city that supports independent living through local services that enable the full participation of persons with disabilities in urban life, avoiding institutionalisation and segregation. Special mentions may be given to cities demonstrating outstanding 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. Hadja LahbibCommissioner for Equality, Crisis Preparedness and Crisis Management said: ‘The quality of a city is measured by the possibility of everyone using it. Accessibility is synonymous with freedom. Freedom to attend school, work, visit friends, use public services and participate fully in society. Local authorities have the power to materialise this freedom for millions of Europeans with disabilities by removing the obstacles that exist in everyday life.» The winning cities will be announced at the European Day of Persons with Disabilities conference in Brussels on 4 December 2026. Cities can submit their applications by 4 September 2026 at 11:00 CET. | 
