The European Capitals of Small Retail (ECoSR) initiative has opened its call for applications for the 2027 edition, aiming to recognize European cities that stand out for their policies supporting local businesses, revitalizing urban centers, and strengthening the local economy. The deadline for submitting applications is October 9, 2026, at 12:00 PM (CET).

Promoted by the European Parliament and implemented by the European Council's Innovation and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) on behalf of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW), this initiative seeks to highlight cities that develop innovative strategies to maintain dynamic and attractive retail environments.

Small businesses play an essential role in the economic and social life of cities, contributing to more vibrant neighborhoods, preserving local identity, and strengthening economic resilience through their close relationships with businesses and consumers. In this context, ECoSR recognizes best practices and facilitates the exchange of experiences among local authorities across Europe.

Three categories based on city size
Cities in European Union Member States and countries participating in the Single Market Programme are eligible to apply, grouped into three categories:

Vanguard City: between 5,000 and 50,000 inhabitants.

Visual City: between 50,000 and 250,000 inhabitants.

Visionary City: more than 250,000 inhabitants.

Evaluation criteria
Participating cities must demonstrate results and best practices in four main areas:

Sustainability.

Support for entrepreneurship and community participation.

Digitalization of small businesses.

Urban Attractiveness and Vitality.

The evaluation will consider the strategy developed, the innovative nature of the measures adopted, their degree of implementation, and the impact achieved.

Submission of Applications
Applications must be submitted by the municipal administration and include a letter of support signed by the mayor or highest local authority, the application form, and three high-quality photographs that reflect the city and its commercial environment. Cities that participated in previous editions may apply again, except for the winners of the immediately preceding edition.

Interested entities can consult the complete information, the applicant guide, and support resources on the initiative's official website. Furthermore, an information session dedicated to preparing applications will be held on September 10, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Application Deadline: October 9, 2026 (12:00 p.m. CET).