Redaccion
Bilbao, Zaragoza, and Usúrbil (Guipúzcoa) are among the European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity 2025, as announced by the European Commission at the start of the European Month of Diversity 2025. This month will focus on mental health and well-being in the workplace, as well as promoting European values of equality, respect, and coexistence.
At an event held in Brussels, attended by representatives from public institutions, businesses, and civil society from across Europe, these awards were presented to local authorities from different countries for their efforts in building more inclusive and diverse communities.
Specifically, in the category of Local Authorities with more than 50,000 inhabitants, the Silver Award was given to the city of Bilbao for its cross-cutting initiatives based on values in employment, education, transportation, security, youth, and sports.
In the category of Local Authorities with fewer than 50,000 inhabitants, the Silver Award went to Usúrbil for its inclusive vision and focus on gender equality, the integration of migrants, and shared responsibility in caregiving.
In the special category of Inclusive Housing, the Bronze Award was presented to Zaragoza for its multidimensional approach to preventing homelessness and providing access to decent housing for diverse populations. Additionally, Zaragoza also received the Public Award, voted on live by attendees at the ceremony.
Following the awards ceremony, European Commissioner for Equality, Hadja Lahbib, highlighted the role of local authorities in building more inclusive communities and emphasized that «it is in cities and municipalities where equality, inclusion, and diversity translate into real opportunities, access to services, and a sense of belonging for citizens.» Lahbib congratulated the awarded localities «for leading by example and promoting, from the local level, the fundamental values of a cohesive Europe.»
The event also featured Spain’s Minister of Equality, Ana Redondo García, who underscored the key role of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as principles that strengthen social cohesion and democracy in Europe. She called for strengthening partnerships between institutions, businesses, and civil society, stating that «defending diversity is defending Europe.»
Additionally, the Platform of the EU Diversity Charters presented a manifesto to the European Commission reaffirming its commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.
As part of the celebrations, on May 21st, an official event organized by the Diversity Foundation will take place in Spain at the Alcobendas campus of the European University of Madrid. The event, hosted by a journalist, will
