The European Commission has opened the submissions for the 3rd Access City Award, which recognises accessible and age-friendly urban environments. The Award is part of the EU's wider effort to create a barrier-free Europe. In 2010, the launching year, the Award went to Avila, in Spain. In 2011, the winner was Salzburg, in Austria.

The European Commission’s 3rd Access City Award is opened to submissions. The award recognises and celebrates cities with over 50,000 inhabitants implementing exemplary initiatives to improve accessibility in the urban environment. Approximately 80 million EU citizens have a disability, and this award is part of the EU's wider effort to create a barrier-free Europe, according to the Commission. The last year's award was granted in December.

The initiatives presented to the competition should show an integrated approach across four key areas: the built environment and public spaces; transportation and related infrastructure; information and communication, including new technologies (ICT); public facilities and services. The jury will particularly look at the impact of accessibility measures on the everyday life of people with disabilities and the city as a whole, and it will consider the quality and sustainability of the results achieved.

The Access City Award was launched in 2010. In the inaugural edition, the Award went to Avila, in Spain. In 2011, 114 cities from 23 EU countries participated as candidates and the winner was Salzburg, in Austria. On this occasion, cities with over 50,000 inhabitants from across Member States can submit their applications online until 5 September 2012.