Explore EcoSR
Find out about the initiative and what the title involves.
Learn more about this year’s competition.
Discover how ECoSR cities exchange and learn from one another.
Check out photos from ECoSR events and activities across Europe.
Register for upcoming webinars /hybrid events
- 21/10/2026 / Barcelona Hybrid Workshop 1- 9 :45: Small Retail as a Driver of Social Cohesion (35mn) – REGISTER
- 21/10/2026 / Barcelona Hybrid Workshop 2 - 10:20: Generational Succession, Entrepreneurship and Vocation (35mn) Hybrid – REGISTER
- 21/10/2026 / Barcelona Hybrid Workshop 3 - 11:55: Governing with the Ecosystem: How to Build a Shared Capital of Small retail (35mn) – REGISTER
- 21/10/2026 / Barcelona Hybrid Workshop 4 - 12:25:Peer City Exchange: "Utrecht–Barcelona–Zaragoza: from exchange to impact: How European Networking Strengthens Small Retail - REGISTER
- 24/11/2026 / Caldas da Rainha - The European Capital of Small Retail Hybrid Forum / European networking platform of the finalist cities – information coming soon.
- 30/11/2026 / Schlanders/Silandro hybrid event: information coming soon.
About ECoSR
The European Capitals of Small Retail (ECoSR) is a European Union initiative, initiated by the European Parliament and implemented by the European Commission, aimed at recognising cities that have demonstrated exceptional support for small retailers and vibrant city centres. Small retailers are vital to local economies, creating vibrant neighbourhoods, preserving cultural identity, and building economic resilience through their close links with local businesses and consumers.
Launched in response to the evolving challenges facing urban retail environments, the ECoSR initiative identifies, acknowledges, awards and promotes cities which excel in revitalising small retail and fostering a thriving local environment. Through the competition, the initiative aims to
The initiative was proposed as a Preparatory Action by the European Parliament, based on a citizens petition, and is implemented by the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) on behalf of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW).
The 2027 edition of the European Capitals of Small Retail competition was launched in May 2026, following the success of the 2026 edition. The application period is now closed and the winners will be announced during the awards ceremony on 26 January 2027.
Why small retail matters
Small retailers are at the heart of Europe’s cities and towns. They create jobs, foster entrepreneurship and economic prosperity while preserving local identity, activating public spaces, and contributing to vibrant local communities.
From family-owned businesses to independent retailers driving innovation, small retail helps cities remain attractive, resilient, and connected.
The ECoSR initiative celebrates cities that actively invest in helping small retail thrive.
Beyond the competition itself, the initiative is building a growing European community of cities committed to supporting and promoting small retail. Winning and finalist cities are encouraged and supported to share good practices and create long-term impact for EU retail sector competitiveness.
The application period for the European Capitals of Small Retail 2027 competition closed on 9 October 2026 at 12:00 CET. Applications are now being assessed through the competition's eligibility and evaluation process.
What happens next?
- Eligibility check (October-November 2026): Applications are checked to verify that the eligibility and submission requirements have been met.
- Expert panel evaluation (October-November 2026): Eligible applications are assessed against the competition's evaluation criteria by an expert panel.
- Shortlisted cities announced (End of November 2026): The three highest-scoring eligible applications in each population category are shortlisted.
- Programme preparation and jury presentations (December 2026-January 2027): Shortlisted cities prepare their programmes of activities and present their proposals to the European Jury.
- Awards ceremony (January 2027): The three ECoSR 2027 winners are announced at an awards ceremony in Brussels.
- Title year (From February 2027): The ECoSR 2027 title year begins.
European Capitals of Small Retail 2026 – first edition
On 28 January 2026, the European Capitals of Small Retail (ECoSR) Awards Ceremony took place in Brussels, celebrating cities from across Europe that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to supporting small retail.
After 9 shortlisted cities’ presentations and a jury deliberation, 3 cities were selected and awarded the European Capital of Small Retail 2026 title: Barcelona, Caldas da Rainha and Schlanders/Silandro.
These cities have entered their title year, which includes 12 months of high visibility, Europe-wide promotion, and networking and knowledge exchange activities.
Read more about the winning and finalist cities – ECoSR 2026
