Maria Petkova from Tulip Foundation was a member of the Jury for 2026 European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity Award competition for a third year. She served both juries for the General Award and the Special Award, which this year was dedicated to Inclusive Labour Market for All.

The fifth annual European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity Award ceremony took place in Brussels on 21 April in the presence of numerous participants from local authorities, civil organisations and networks, academia and policy makers.

The local authorities with the high recognition were applauded by the audience and congratulated by representatives of the European Commission. Find information about the winners of the 2026 awards here.

The ceremony also marked the start of the seventh European Diversity Month. It was followed by a special forum for best practice sharing and networking event for local authorities, civil society organisations and business.

The European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity Award is open to all local authorities in the EU who are building fairer societies by promoting diversity and inclusion in terms of sex, age, racial or ethnic background, religion or belief, disability. It is an opportunity for towns, cities or regions to receive the recognition they deserve for building an environment that allows everyone to feel safe and fulfil their potential.