Access City Award 2013

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The European Commission has opened today the competition for the third “Access City Award”, the European Award for Accessible Cities. The  annual prize recognises and celebrates cities that are dedicated to  providing an accessible environment for all, and for persons with disabilities in particular. The Award is part of the EU's wider effort to create a barrier-free Europe: improved accessibility brings lasting economic and social benefits to cities, especially in the context of  demographic ageing. Cities with at least 50,000 inhabitants have until 5 September 2012 (16.00 Brussels time) to submit their candidacy for the  award.

`The doors of our cities must be open to everyone`, said European Union Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding. `There is a strong case for  accessibility. This award
honours those that are showing how cities can be made accessible: by  sharing experiences, the successes of some can be an inspiration to  others across Europe`.
Approximately 80 million EU citizens have a disability. With the ageing of our society, the number of people with a disability or those with reduced mobility is growing.
Giving everyone access to city transport, public spaces and services, and technology has become a real challenge. However, providing accessibility also gives economic and social benefits and contributes to the  sustainability and inclusiveness of the urban environment.

In line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities, accessibility is one of the pillars of  the European Union’s Disability Strategy 2010-
2020 which aims at creating a barrier-free Europe for all.