The Regional Policy DG of the European Commission announced the launching of the 2014 RegioStars Awards. In addition, the Award Ceremony of the 2013 RegioStars awards will take place the 31 January 2013 at the Palais des Beaux-Arts, Brussels.

The application process for the 2014 RegioStars Awards is now open after the official launching of these awards by the European Commission. Applications must be submitted or endorsed by an EU structural funds managing authority for a regional or national programme by 19 April 2013. The project presented has been co-financed under the European Regional Development Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Social Fund or the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) after 1 January 2000. Managing authorities are free to use whatever selection process they deem appropriate to choose their candidates. The Award Categories for 2014 are:

• Smart Growth: SME innovation
• Sustainable Growth: Green growth and jobs through Bio-economy
• Inclusive Growth: Creating jobs for the young generation
• CityStar: Investment projects in sustainable urban public transport
• Major Investment Projects: Energy efficiency and the low carbon economy

The Commission announced the RegioStars' 2013 finalists in August 2012. 27 finalists across five categories will take part at the awards ceremony of the 2013 RegioStars Awards that will be celebrated on 31 of January in Brussels.