We invite beneficiaries of PL-UA projects implemented during the 2014–2020 programming period to participate in the REGIOSTARS 2026 competition.
Organised by the European Commission since 2008, the competition recognises the most inspiring and effective projects co-financed by the European Union that make a tangible contribution to strengthening economic, social and territorial cohesion in Europe. The REGIOSTARS award has become a widely recognised mark of quality for EU-funded projects across Europe.
Competition categories
Projects can be submitted in one of the following five categories:
- A COMPETITIVE AND SMART EUROPE
Promoting competitiveness, innovation and economic resilience. - A GREEN EUROPE
The green transition as the enabler of regional development. - A CONNECTED EUROPE
Enhancing mobility and connectivity between regions. - A SOCIAL AND INCLUSIVE EUROPE
Achieving a more inclusive Europe by harnessing regional talents. - A EUROPE CLOSER TO THE CITIZENS
Fostering the sustainable development of all types of territories.
What can you gain?
Competition winners will receive:
- the prestigious REGIOSTAR title,
- a European promotional campaign for the project through the European Commission’s communication channels,
- an invitation to the REGIOSTARS 2026 Awards Ceremony during the European Week of Regions and Cities in Brussels (October 2026, participation costs covered by the organiser).
How to submit a project?
By 30 April 2026, please inform the Joint Secretariat (JS) of your intention to submit a project to the competition (by e-mail: agnieszka.cwikla@pl-ua.eu). The project should fit into one of the categories listed above.
Only projects that meet the following criteria can be submitted:
- they received EU funding after 1 January 2014,
- they have been fully implemented (all activities completed and all payments made),
- they have been formally closed by the Programme Managing Authority.
From the proposals received, the Joint Secretariat, in cooperation with the Managing Authority, will select up to five projects (submission limit per programme). For the selected initiatives, the Managing Authority will issue letters of endorsement.
At the next stage, beneficiaries of the selected projects should submit their application via the REGIOSTARS online platform by 22 May 2026 (the Joint Secretariat will provide support in this process).
Detailed information about the REGIOSTARS 2026 competition and the Guide for Applicants is available on the European Commission website.
If you have questions regarding the application process, we encourage you to read the Guide for Applicants.