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On February 11, the 2025 edition of the REGIOSTARS Awards was launched. This EU competition, held annually since 2008, recognizes the most innovative regional development projects. Organized by the DG Regional and Urban Policy of the European Commission, the initiative aims to select and reward projects funded by EU cohesion policy funds that demonstrate the impact and inclusiveness of regional development.

Until May 20, 2025, projects can be submitted for one of the five categories of the competition:

• A Competitive and Smart Europe: promoting competitiveness, innovation, and economic resilience.
• A Green Europe: the ecological transition as a driver of regional development.
• A Connected Europe: enhancing mobility and connectivity between regions.
• A Social and Inclusive Europe: building a more inclusive Europe by harnessing regional talents.
• A Europe Closer to Citizens: promoting sustainable development in all types of territories.

Applications must concern projects co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the European Social Fund (ESF), the Cohesion Fund, the Just Transition Fund, or Interreg programs since January 1, 2014. Only projects that have already been completed are eligible for the Awards.

Applications must be submitted by the project promoter and accompanied by an endorsement letter from the competent managing authority.

An independent jury, composed of high-level academics, will evaluate the submitted applications and select the finalists, who will be invited to participate in the second phase of the selection process, which will take place during the European Week of Regions and Cities, scheduled in Brussels from October 13 to 15, 2025.

Additionally, the public will have the opportunity to vote online (from September 2 to October 15) for their favorite project among the finalists. The project with the most votes will be awarded the Public’s Choice Award.

The winners of the five categories and the winner of the Public’s Choice Award will be announced at the award ceremony, which will take place on October 15 in Brussels, as part of the European Week of Regions and Cities.

The winners will receive a trophy and will benefit from a local communication campaign (managed in collaboration with DG REGIO of the European Commission) to promote the awarded activities in their region.

Written by: Margherita Genua