On 17 November, the European Commission unveiled the winners of the 2022 Regiostars awards. Second place went to the ‘E-Schools Pilot Project’ in Croatia. The project is supported by the European Social Fund (ESF) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). There have been 15 finalists of EU-funded cohesion projects from across Europe, pre-selected for the 15th  anniversary edition of the prize. Following a public vote, Elisa Ferreira, European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, presented the awards to the winners at a ceremony in Evora, Portugal.  

Thanks to E-Schools - which provides vital ICT equipment and digital education tools to 151 primary and secondary schools - ten per cent of Croatia's schools were able to raise their competencies in the areas of ICT for teaching and learning. With ongoing support and training for teachers and principals, the project's comprehensive approach ensured long-term sustainability. 

Awarding the best of the best 

The first-place winner was the ‘rehabilitation and restoration' project of Cittadella Gozo, in Malta. The project restored and rehabilitated internal structures in the walls of the ancient and fortified city. Today, thanks to the new visitor centre and better accessibility, this impressive landmark will attract more tourists than ever, exploiting its potential to the fullest. 

The third place went to ‘PICSA Sustainable Construction Programme in Andalusia'. This project helped reinvigorate the building sector in Andalusia, Spain, by introducing energy-saving and renewable energy in existing buildings. The project also improved the competitiveness of local construction companies and reduced energy poverty of low-income families. 

Among the 15 finalists are projects with a strong social dimension, such as the family type centre for people with disabilities in Burgas, Bulgaria, and the ‘Good Support Programme’ in Poland. The ‘good support’ is based on an innovative partnership for using the latest technology for enhancing the accessibility of social services for people at risk of poverty or social exclusion.  

New categories and new selection process in 2023 

From 2023 onward, the Regiostars awards will be adapted to reflect the new funding available for the period 2021 to 2027. Award categories will be linked to the new objectives for EU funding. In addition, the selection process will take place in two steps, with all finalists presenting their final pitch before a jury during the annual EURegionsWeek. The award ceremony 2023 will be hosted by the city of Ostrava, in Czechia.