RegioStars Awards 2020: applications now open to award the best EU Cohesion policy projects

The European Commission has announced the opening of the 13th edition of the RegioStars competition to award the best EU cohesion policy projects in five thematic categories: smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, urban development and a topic of the year.

The 2020 special topic will be around the 30 years of Interreg, the EU’s emblematic scheme for cooperation across borders, with a specific focus on “youth empowerment for cooperation across borders”.

The on-line application platform is open from 2 March to 9 May 2020. An independent jury of high-level academics will assess the submitted project applications and crown the winners during the festive RegioStars Awards ceremony taking place in Brussels in October 2020 during the European Week of Regions and Cities. The public will be also called to decide on its own favourite project through an online public vote system.


Background Information

As in the last editions, five thematic categories are covered: smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, urban development and a topic of the year. Under these categories, the following areas will be covered:

  • Industrial transition for a smart Europe (smart growth);
  • Circular Economy for a green Europe (sustainable growth);
  • Skills&Education for a digital Europe (inclusive growth);
  • Citizens engagement for cohesive European cities (urban development);
  • 30 years of Interreg: Youth empowerment for cooperation across borders (Topic of the Year).

The Guide for Applicants provides all the necessary information to become a winning project. On top of the detailed description of this year’s category, the eligibility and award criteria, this Guide is also a practical handbook to guide applicants through the application process.