The award
The winners of the first edition of the European Capitals of Small Retail (ECoSR) competition will be announced in Brussels in January 2026, with a call for applications opening in July 2025. 3 cities will be selected to hold the title of the 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
Countdown to Brussels award ceremony event
With the evaluation phase underway, the shortlisted cities’ announcement will follow in November 2025, before the awards ceremony in Brussels on 28 January 2026. Shortlisted cities will be invited to pitch their candidacy in front of the jury during this event, and the wining cities will be selected.
The awards ceremony is more than a celebration. Cities will have the opportunity to showcase their achievements, exchange knowledge with peers, and inspire European-wide action in small retail revitalisation.
