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These are Europe’s inclusion and diversity champions
European cities are home to people with different ethnic, religious, racial and other backgrounds. It is the task of local authorities to actively promote and encourage diversity and acceptance. It is essential to continue to promote cities that are free of discrimination, that fully accept gender equality, and celebrate ethnic, racial, and social plurality.
The European Commission revealed the winners of the first European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity Awards at the end of April, with the goal of recognizing towns, cities, and regions across the bloc that are setting the bar for inclusive policies. Cities from Croatia, Germany, Romania, Spain, and Sweden were among the winners. The annual European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity Awards, which were launched as part of the EU’s Anti-Racism Action Plan 2020-2025, are part of the Commission’s efforts to create a Union of Equality.
Věra Jourová, Vice-President for Values and Transparency, quoted by the EC’s website, stated: “We have seen that in times of crisis, vulnerable groups face increased risks. Today, we honour these cities that are leading by example in protecting the dignity and freedom of everyone in our communities. As we celebrate the winners, we are reminded of the importance of such initiatives in support of the values which represent our union, at whichever level that may be.”
Cologne, Germany’s fourth largest city and largest in the state of North Rhine–Westphalia, won the award in the category of cities with more than 50,000 residents. The German city was honoured for its urban strategy “Cologne Perspectives 2030+.’’ In order to successfully tackle future challenges, the city, together with urbanista, ASTOC and urbanista.ch developed the strategy which serves as a guide for political, administrative, corporate, and urban society actors to further develop Cologne as a livable metropolis. Cologne was followed by Gothenburg, Sweden and Barcelona, Spain, who scooped the silver and bronze awards respectively.
For its strategy to support people with disabilities, the Croatian city of Koprivnica won the award for among cities with fewer than 50,000 inhabitants. Last August, the city in northern Croatia launched a project which aimed to improve social inclusion and integration of students with disabilities in elementary schools in Koprivnica, as well as to provide them with help in learning. The project’s goal was to address the issue of unequal opportunities that students with disabilities are faced with. Germany’s Ingelheim am Rhein and Spain’s Antequera won the second and the third place awards in this category.
Mayor of Koprivnica Misel Jaksic stated on social media: ‘’Koprivnica is the European capital of inclusion and diversity! It is the winner of the gold award in the category of local government units with fewer than 50,000 inhabitants for the implementation of an effective strategy to provide support to persons with disabilities as well as national minorities. It is the result of numerous projects, activities, strategies and decisions that we have realized and implemented together in recent years.’’
For its Comprehensive Plan for the inclusion of the Roma Community, Andalucia (Spain) won a gold award. The cities of Gothenburg, Sweden, and Grădinari, Romania, came in second and third, respectively.
Helena Dalli, Commissioner for Equality, quoted by the European Commission’s website, stated: “Congratulations to all the winners of the first European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity Award, as well as to all 82 local authorities that responded to the European Commission’s call to promote and support diversity. Today, these local authorities have showcased in the best possible way how together we can uphold equality and diversity and strive to be inclusive for all.” (photo credit: pch.vector/Freepik)
