The award
The European Capitals of Small Retail (ECoSR) award recognises cities that demonstrate outstanding commitment to supporting small retailers and strengthening vibrant city centres across Europe.
Following a competitive selection process, the first edition of the European Capitals of Small Retail competition concluded with an awards ceremony in Brussels on 28 January 2026, where the nine shortlisted cities presented their programmes for their potential title year, and three cities were awarded the title of European Capital of Small Retail 2026, representing different population categories
- Vanguard City: for cities between 5 000 and 50 000 inhabitants
- Vibrant City: for cities between 50 000 and 250 000 inhabitants
- Visionary City: for cities above 250 000 inhabitants
The title year begins in February 2026 and marks a 12-month period of enhanced visibility, learning opportunities, and collaborative exchange.
Benefits for winning cities
Winning cities receive a comprehensive package of non-financial support
- European-level recognition and prestige
- promotional support throughout the title year
- invitations to exclusive networking events with other leading cities
- participation in the small retail exchange programme to share and learn best practices
- assistance with organising workshops and webinars
- extensive media coverage, including professional video production
- enhanced city branding and tourism visibility
Winning cities are now actively engaging in these opportunities as part of their title year.
The title year: What happens now?
The title year officially begins in February 2026 and runs for 12 months. During this period, the winning cities benefit from increased visibility and actively participate in activities linked to the initiative. The title year is designed as a platform for future action, allowing cities to test ideas, share experiences, learn from each other, amplify their impact and build the future of small retail across Europe together.
