Vienna wins the European Union's 2025 Access City Award

EU-Kommissarin Helena Dalli überreicht Stadtrat Hacker eine Trophäe

Helena Dalli, European Commissioner for Equality, and City Councillor Peter Hacker

Easy access to information, public transport, municipal buildings, and recreational facilities improves quality of life for everyone, but for people living with disabilities accessibility without barriers is essential. The significant progress made by the City of Vienna in implementing measures to make the capital more accessible have now been recognised with the top prize in a European Union-wide competition.

Since 2010, the European Commission has acknowledged the achievements of cities that have prioritised disability access through the granting of the "Access City Award", which this year attracted 57 contenders.

In a news release, the Commission referred to Vienna's "comprehensive approach, combining social, economic, and environmental sustainability" as a "a standout example of how capital big cities can successfully integrate accessibility into every aspect of urban life". Vienna was presented with the award last November at an event in Brussels to mark the European Day of Persons with Disabilities.

"Over the past 15 years, the Access City Award provided a platform for the remarkable efforts of cities across Europe to foster inclusive, accessible urban places and spaces for all", said European Commissioner for Equality, Helena Dalli. "This edition calls for continued innovation and extension of accessibility to remove barriers and ensure better quality of life. Vienna is an inspiration for other EU cities to strive to do more".

Accessibility initiatives

Representatives of the winning cities Vienna (1st), Nuremberg (2nd) and Cartagena (3rd) together on stage

Representatives of the winning cities Vienna (1st), Nuremberg (2nd) and Cartagena (3rd) together on stage

Today, all of Vienna's underground stations and over 95 percent of bus and tram stops are accessible, using tactile guidance systems, low-floor vehicles, and multisensory emergency systems. Accessible swimming pools and sensor-controlled traffic lights that detect when a pedestrian wants to cross the road have improved the lives of people living with disabilities. Such initiatives convinced the jury to select Vienna as the winner of the 2025 Access City Award. The EU Commission also commended the city for its "Inclusive Vienna 2030" strategy that was adopted this year.

"Receiving the Access City Award is a significant recognition for Vienna's long-term commitment to increase quality of life for all people in our city", said Vienna Mayor, Michael Ludwig. "This award proves that our efforts to make accessibility a normality in all areas of life are working, and it motivates us to continue with determination on the path to inclusivity".

As part of the award, the winner and runners-up receive monetary prizes. Vienna, in first place, received 150,000 Euros. Second place was awarded to Nuremberg in Germany and Cartagena in Spain came third.

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