European Commission Announces 2026 REGIOSTARS Winners
The annual ceremony recognized six EU-funded projects for excellence in regional cohesion policy.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Awards
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The European Commission presented six awards to projects supported by EU cohesion policy during the 2026 REGIOSTARS ceremony in Brussels. The event was held as part of the 24th European Week of Regions and Cities.
Why it matters
These awards highlight the impact of EU cohesion policy by showcasing innovative and successful projects across member states. The ceremony serves to recognize excellence in regional development and shared investment initiatives.
A total of six winning projects were selected for the 2026 REGIOSTARS awards, which coincided with the 24th edition of the European Week of Regions and Cities.
The players
European Commission
This is the politically independent executive arm of the European Union responsible for proposing legislation and implementing decisions.
The details
Winning projects include the AI Holopresence initiative from Slovakia, Germany's eLiRec battery recycling, and the Alexandroupolis Independent Natural Gas System in Greece. Additional winners were Germany's BROTHERS project, Czechia's Together in Žďár, and the Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center from Portugal, which received the People's Choice Award.
Timeline
October 19, 2026: The 2026 REGIOSTARS Awards ceremony occurred in Brussels.
Culture Shift
These awards represent a push toward highlighting tangible local results achieved through the EU cohesion policy. By elevating individual project successes, the Commission emphasizes the practical integration of regional development goals across Europe.
For residents in winning regions, these awards signal continued support and visibility for infrastructure and innovation projects. The recognition may lead to increased awareness of regional programs and the potential for these models to be replicated in other communities.
The takeaway
The REGIOSTARS ceremony illustrates the diversity of EU-backed initiatives ranging from medical research to sustainable energy. Readers can look to these winners as examples of how international funding structures support specific community-level advancements.
Further reading
Learn more about recognition in the Awards section.
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Do you believe EU-funded projects deliver meaningful improvements to your local community?
