Vienna has been awarded the prestigious Access City Award 2025, organized by the European Commission and the European Disability Forum. The award honors cities making significant efforts to become more accessible for people with disabilities. The winners were announced at a ceremony during the European Day of Persons with Disabilities conference in Brussels on Friday.
The Access City Award is presented with prize money of €150,000 for first place, €120,000 for second, and €80,000 for third. This year, 57 cities with at least 50,000 inhabitants applied, with 33 cities shortlisted by national juries. Alongside Vienna, Borås (Sweden), Cartagena (Spain), and Nuremberg (Germany) reached the finals. As part of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Commission also awarded a special mention for “Accessible Sports Infrastructure” to one city.
Vienna’s Progress on Accessibility
EU Commissioner for Equality Helena Dalli presented the award to Vienna, highlighting the city’s accessibility projects such as barrier-free swimming pools, smart traffic lights, and initiatives promoting integration in housing and employment. According to the EU Commission, Vienna’s efforts have significantly improved the city’s accessibility. Over 95% of bus and tram stops and all U-Bahn stations are accessible, with tactile guidance systems, low-floor vehicles, and multisensory emergency systems available.
A Step Forward for Disability Inclusion
Erich Schmid, Vice President of the Austrian Disability Council, expressed his joy at Vienna’s recognition, noting the city’s continued progress in becoming a more inclusive and accessible place. He emphasized that despite the achievements, “there’s still much to be done to ensure no one is left behind” in the years to come. Schmid participated in both the award ceremony and the conference in Brussels, which focused on the challenges faced by people with disabilities.
Selection Criteria for the Award
The award criteria assess both implemented and planned measures in areas such as the built environment, public spaces, transportation, and information and communication. An accessible city ensures that people with disabilities can use public transport, visit public spaces like parks and playgrounds, and access buildings such as town halls, libraries, and sports halls, as well as the services they offer.
Mayor Ludwig’s Comment
Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) described the Access City Award as a significant recognition of Vienna’s long-standing commitment to improving the quality of life for all residents. He highlighted Vienna’s Anti-Discrimination Act, which has been in place since 2004, and the city’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2008. Vienna’s “Inclusive Vienna 2030” strategy goes beyond legal requirements, further advancing the city’s efforts toward social inclusion.
