Written by Anna Apergi Konstantinidis, Special Advisor Diversity Charter Greece
This year, the European Commission triumphantly launched the EU Diversity Month, with the winning cities of the European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity Award !
The major winning cities for promoting diversity and inclusion come from the Netherlands, Finland, Portugal, Spain, Italy and Poland . Cities that are shining examples on issues of combating inequalities and discrimination based on gender, expression, gender identity and characteristics, racial or ethnic origin, religion, disability, age and sexual orientation .
The winning cities and municipalities that have just been announced are:
In the category of “local authorities with more than 50,000 inhabitants”:
Gold Award for the city of Utrecht, Netherlands , for its impressive commitment to diversity, inclusion and equality, which are integrated into all departments and sectors of the municipality.
The Silver Award was awarded to the city of Bilbao, Spain , for its cross-sectoral and value-based initiatives, particularly in the areas of employment, education, security, youth and sports.
The city of Krakow, Poland, won the Bronze Award for programs that support the inclusion of diversity in public spaces, in the health and education sectors, as well as in culture.
In the category of “local authorities with fewer than 50,000 inhabitants”:
The Gold Award was awarded to the city of Mariehamn, Finland , for its inclusive approach to all municipal workplaces, education and integration, guided by a clear cross-sectoral vision.
The city of Ushurbil, Spain, won the Silver Award for its inclusive vision and work on issues of gender equality without discrimination and the integration of people with a migrant/refugee profile.
The Bronze Award went to the city of Settimo Torinese, Italy , for inclusive and non-discriminatory public participation through diverse Forums and cross-sectoral collaboration to enhance the impact of municipal policy with local businesses, law enforcement, and schools.
Special award for inclusive housing
The Gold Award was won by the city of Braga, Portugal , for its strategy to support elderly people, people with disabilities, single-parent families, Roma, people with a migrant/refugee profile and victims of domestic violence.
The Silver Award was received by the city of Gualdo Tadino, Italy , for its innovative housing initiatives that support women, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities and people with a migrant/refugee profile.
The Bronze Award was awarded to the city of Zaragoza, Spain, for its multi-layered approach to preventing homelessness and supporting access to housing for people of different genders.
The Audience Award, voted for by the public during yesterday’s ceremony, was awarded to Zaragoza .
The annual European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity Award, launched in the framework of the EU Action Plan against Racism 2020-2025 and the LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy 2020-2025, are a very important part of the European Commission’s work for a Union of Equality.
The European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity Award recognizes and honors the work carried out by the cities, municipalities and regions of the European Union to defend human rights, promote inclusion and create free democratic societies without exclusion and discrimination on grounds of gender, expression, gender identity and characteristics, racial or ethnic origin, religion, disability, age and sexual orientation.
In April, the European Commission launched two open public consultations to lay the groundwork for a new LGBTQI+ Equality Strategy post-2025 [1] and the first EU Anti-Racism Strategy [2] . The public consultation on the LGBTQI+ Equality Strategy will be open for comments and contributions until 8 July, while the Anti-Racism Strategy will be open for comments until 24 June 2025.
SOURCE: With information from the European Commission
[1] https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/14551-EU-LGBTIQ-equality-strategy-for-2026-2030_en
[2] https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/14552-Anti-racism-Strategy_en
