Every year, the European Commission awards those EU-funded projects, which demonstrate excellence and new approaches in regional development. With the goal of inspiring other regions across Europe, participating projects are in the spotlight of communication activities at European level.
Thematic focus
The REGIOSTARS are awarded to projects in five thematic categories corresponding to cohesion policy objectives:
- Category 1: A COMPETITIVE AND SMART EUROPE
- Category 2: A GREEN EUROPE
- Category 3: A CONNECTED EUROPE
- Category 4: A SOCIAL AND INCLUSIVE EUROPE
- Category 5: A EUROPE CLOSER TO THE CITIZENS
How to apply?
The Guide for Applicants contains all the necessary information and will guide you through the process.
As in previous years, the public will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite finalist for the Public Choice Award. All winners will be announced during the REGIOSTARS ceremony, to be held also during the European Week of Regions and Cities in Brussels, in October 2026. The winners of the five categories and the public choice award winner will get a local communication campaign managed in cooperation with DG REGIO to promote the awarded activities in the region. The on-line application platform is open until 22 May 2026. We encourage applications from comparatively less-developed regions within the Interreg South Baltic area.