regiostars2015The European Commission’s RegioStars Awards 2015, which identify good practices in regional development and highlight original and innovative projects that can inspire other regions, have been launched.
Continuing in the framework of previous years, the 2015 edition will highlight the most original European projects co-funded by the European Union’s (EU) cohesion policy (link is external), the EU’s principle investment tool for delivering the Europe 2020 targets.
 
In 2014 a sustainable mobility initiative (link is external) in Gdynia, Poland, received an award for enhancing the power supply system of the city’s trolleybus traction network.
The award categories for 2015 are Smart Growth: Unleashing small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) growth potential for a digital economy; Sustainable Growth: Mobilising investments in energy efficiency for the benefit of citizens and society; Inclusive Growth: Integrating in society those at risk of social exclusion; and Citystar: Transforming cities for future challenges.
An independent jury will select finalist projects for the awards. The managing authorities are then invited to an awards ceremony to be held during the OPEN DAYS 2015 Week of European Regions and Cities.
Application can be submitted in English, French and German before 28 February 2015 by the regional or local Managing Authority, or with the endorsement of this Managing Authority. 
 
Original author: Alexia