The European Commission has recognised Leuven’s anti-discrimination policies by awarding the Flemish city its 2026 award for inclusion and diversity.
The annual European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity Silver Award highlights cities, municipalities, and regions that excel in promoting inclusivity and diversity, and in combating discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, age, or LGBTIQ+ identity.
Leuven won silver in the category of cities with over 50,000 residents at the awards ceremony in Brussels on Tuesday. The first prize went to Józsefváros, the eighth district of Budapest, while Leiden won bronze.
Leuven was commended for its strong stance against exclusion, notably through initiatives such as ‘Leuven zonder Racisme’ and its Ten-Point Action Plan to fight discrimination in housing, employment, education, and other areas, according to an official statement.
