Bilbao receives the silver award as “European Capital of Inclusion and Diversity”

• The Basque city has been recognised amongst European cities of over 50,000 inhabitants

The European Commission has awarded Bilbao with the silver award in the category “European Capital of Inclusion and Diversity” for cities of over 50,000 inhabitants. This recognition, aimed at publicising, valuing and rewarding the best practise in these areas, highlights the commitment of the capital of Bizkaia with policies which guarantee inclusive, diverse and discrimination-free environments.

During the award-giving ceremony, which was presided by Ms Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, special value was placed of the inter-sectional perspective of Bilbao, its Charter of Values and the project “Bilbao Balioen Hiria”.

The Netherlands city of Utrecht won the gold award, while Krakow in Poland was awarded the bronze prize.

The final aim of the competition is to recognise the best practise for the promoting of diversity (in terms of sex, age, handicaps, LGBTIQ identity, religion or beliefs or racial or ethnic origin) as a source of wealth and innovation contributing towards inclusive policies and systems and fostering a sense of belonging on the part of all citizens.