Two Lithuanian projects, another from Belgium, another from Sweden, from Germany and from France are the winners in the six separate categories of the "RegioStars Awards" 2010. The prize giving ceremony recognises the most innovative projects that have been supported by European cohesion policy. The annual event takes place during a two-day conference in Brussels entitled "Regions for Economic Change – Building Sustainable Growth".

All EU regions were invited to submit projects which had received funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the European Social Fund (ESF) or the Cohesion Fund after 1 January 2000. A record 87 eligible applications were submitted from all 27 Member States for RegioStars awards, out of which 24 projects were shortlisted by the jury in January.

This year six awards were on offer: two "CityStar" awards - a new category highlighting the role of cities in ensuring sustainable economic development - three awards on ICT themes , and one award for information and communication.

Since 2008, the annual RegioStars awards recogise the best projects financed by the EU regional policy, which aims to even out development across the EU. All EU regions are invited to enter projects cofinanced by the European development fund, European social fund or the cohesion fund.

Between 2007 and 2013, the EU will spend €308bn on regional policy, making this its second largest expense after the common agricultural policy. While over 80% of this amount will go to the regions in greatest need, all regions can benefit from European support to improve their competitivity and attractiveness.

European regional support is offered through three funds:

• The Cohesion fund is aimed at EU countries with a GDP per capita less than 90% of the EU average (mainly the countries which most recently joined the EU). It finances projects focusing on transport and the environment.
• The European social fund finances vocational training, job creation and labour market integration.
• The European regional development fund (ERDF) includes transport infrastructure, small businesses, research, education and culture.

The awards have been given to winners during the annual two-day conference 'Regions for Economic Change', which provides an opportunity for politicians and practitioners from Europe's regions to discuss key themes around European cohesion policy and showcase projects funded by EU regional funds.

By recognising the best regional projects, the competition aims to encourage other regions to take innovative initiatives with the help of European funding. Entries for the 2011 RegioStars awards can already be submitted (deadline 16 July).

RegioStars 2010 winners

CityStars category - Innovative use of brownfield sites in an urban context

• C-Mine Centre, Gent, Belgium

Category 2: CityStars category - Integration of migrants or marginalised groups in urban areas

• Micro-Finance Institute, East-Mid-Sweden

Category 3: ICT applications for e-inclusion

• Computer literacy basics for a Lithuanian e-citizen, Lithuania

Category 4: ICT applications by or for SMEs

• New business model for ambulatory monitoring of patients, Brandenburg, Germany

Category 5: Broadband coverage in less developed regions or rural areas

• High-speed broadband in Auvergne, France

Category 6: Information and Communication (Web sites)

• www.esparama.lt, Lithuania