Program "Development of the Regions" 2021-2027

This is the 17th edition of the competition for the best region-changing project organised by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy.

The competition, held in 2023, had the largest number of participants with 228 applications, and the project "Reconstruction and redevelopment of an existing building into a cultural and educational center (museum) for contemporary art and library" of the Municipality of Burgas, which was implemented with funds from the Operational Development Programme 2014-2020, won the Special Audience Award.

All beneficiaries of projects that have received EU co-financing at the earliest on 1 January 2014 from the ERDF, ESF+, Cohesion Fund and Fair Transition Fund can submit their projects for the Regiostars 2024 Awards in both English and Bulgarian. An important condition is that the projects are completed at the time of application. A completed project is one that has completed all planned activities, has received its final financial contribution and has been declared closed by the beneficiary and/or the managing authority. Each programme is entitled to 5 participations and it is the responsibility of the Managing Authority to ensure compliance with this limit through its approval letter which forms part of the application form.

The competition will close on 31 May 2024. An independent jury will determine the winners in five categories:

• Category 1 "COMPETITIVE AND SMART EUROPE" - promoting competitiveness, innovation and economic sustainability 
• Category 2 "GREEN EUROPE" - green transition as a factor for regional development 
• Category 3 "CONNECTED EUROPE" - Improving mobility and connectivity between regions 
• Category 4 "SOCIAL AND INCLUSIVE EUROPE" - achieving a more inclusive Europe by harnessing regional talents
• Category 5 "A EUROPE CLOSER TO CITIZENS" - Promoting sustainable development of all types of territories

The aim of the RegioStars Awards is to identify good practices in the field of regional development by highlighting and sharing original and innovative projects that could be replicated in other EU regions. The projects should contribute to change in the regions as well as to enhancing their attractiveness and quality of life.

The winners will be announced at a special REGIOSTARS ceremony to be held during EURegionsWeek, which will take place in Brussels from 7-10 October 2024.

The winners in the 5 categories and the winner of the People's Choice Award will win the opportunity to promote the activities of the awarded projects in their region through a communication campaign to be carried out in cooperation with the European Commission's DG Regional and Urban Policy.

More details on the application process can be found here.