Vienna wins 2025 Access City Award for leading the way in accessibility for persons with disabilities, Tim Dixon

In 2010 the European Commission launched the Access City Award to celebrate cities that prioritise accessibility. This forms part of the Strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities 2021-2030 that aims to build a Europe without barriers.

This year saw 57 cities apply for the award, marking the highest number of applicants in the past ten years. Out of these, 33 were pre-selected by national juries. Subsequently, the EU jury shortlisted four finalist cities.

Here are the winners and runners-up of the 2025 Access City Award:

Winner: Vienna, Austria

Recognized for its comprehensive approach to accessibility, including public spaces, transport, ICT, and public services. Notable projects include accessible swimming pools, intelligent traffic lights, and support for housing and employment integration.

Second Prize: Nuremberg, Germany

Awarded for its strategic approach to accessibility in transport, employment, sports, and leisure. The city also received a special mention for accessible sports infrastructure, highlighting its inclusive sports centers and adaptive sports programs.

Third Prize: Cartagena, Spain

Honored for making tourism and cultural life more accessible, with initiatives like assistance for persons with disabilities at beaches, reserved accessible seats at public events, and accessible leisure areas and playgrounds.

Special Mention: Borås, Sweden

Recognized as a role model in the built environment and transport, exceeding national accessibility standards in public transport, streets, buildings, and other parts of the built environment.

All metro stations and over 95% of bus and tram stops are accessible, using tactile guidance systems, low-floor vehicles, and multisensory emergency systems. The Inclusive Vienna 2030 strategy, and its collaborative approach with organisations of persons with disabilities in decision-making, also demonstrates the city’s strong commitment to achieving accessibility. Specific projects like accessible swimming pools, intelligent traffic lights, and support for housing and employment integration have significantly contributed to making Vienna more accessible and inclusive.

https://employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu/news/vienna-wins-2025-access-city-award-leading-way-accessibility-persons-disabilities-2024-11-29_en

View of Vienna from the roof of St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna, Austria. St. Stephen's Cathedral is a symbol and landmark of the city of Vienna.

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