1. Cities in EU member states
For the purposes of the Award, a city is defined as an urban area (not including metropolitan areas) and a local administrative unit governed by a city council or another form of democratically elected body that covers the urban centre. Only cities within EU member states are eligible to apply.
2. Cities with populations above 20,000
This threshold maintains the focus of the Award on cities, while also ensuring inclusivity. In countries which do not have at least three cities with 20,000 inhabitants, the country’s three largest cities are eligible to apply. Entrants can differ significantly in size, which is taken into account in the context considerations when assessing the applications.
3. Reapplication is possible after a waiting period
Past Award winners are welcome to apply again for the Award after a waiting period of one Award cycle. Cities that were awarded ‘Special Mentions’ and any other applicant cities may re-apply immediately in the subsequent edition as there is no waiting period for those cities. However, ‘Special Mention’ cities will not be considered for competition in the same category that they won in the previous cycle as there is a waiting period of one Award cycle for being able to win the same category again.