Leuven wins European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity award

The city of Leuven has been recognised by the European Commission for its anti-discrimination policies ahead of EU Diversity Month in May.

The Flemish city won the silver medal at the European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity Awards, in the category of municipalities with more than 50,000 inhabitants.  

Celebrating towns, cities and regions across the EU that lead by example in fostering inclusive policies and driving diversity, this year’s winners included cities and municipalities in Belgium, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain.

They were recognised for their work in building fairer societies by promoting diversity and inclusion across gender, racial and ethnic origin, religion and belief, disability, age and LGBTIQ+.

The Commission highlighted Leuven's commitment and "exemplary policy" in combating exclusion, notably through projects such as "Leuven Without Racism" and its 10-point action plan against discrimination.

Leuven has been conducting campaigns and actions for many years to promote a correct image of seniors, young people, gender, ethnic background and people with disabilities, said the city following the awards ceremony in Brussels.

“Leuven is also a diverse community with expats, international students and people with a refugee or migration story. It has a large proportion of people over 65 and an active LGBTQIA+ community,” it added.

Winning the gold award in this category was Budapest’s 8th District, Józsefváros, while bronze went to the city of Leiden in the Netherlands.

Photo: ©Stad Leuven