The European Committee of the Regions has opened the call for applications for the European Entrepreneurial Region (EER) 2027 Award. The EER label is developed in partnership with the European Commission and supported by EU-level stakeholders including SME United, Eurochambres, Social Economy Europe and EURADA. It is open to any organisation willing to contribute to its objectives.

The EER label is awarded every two years to three cities or regions with outstanding, future-oriented strategies to support SMEs, start-ups and scale-ups. The 2027 edition introduces the Forum of the European Entrepreneurial Regions, which will help regions strengthen their entrepreneurial ecosystems, exchange good practices and engage with the European Commission on key policy developments. The lead theme for 2027 is 'Boosting local drivers of growth for EU competitiveness'. 

The EER label provides recognition and visibility for entrepreneurial strategies and projects. It helps territories strengthen their ecosystems, engage stakeholders and access a network of potential partners for cooperation initiatives.

Eligibility

The award is open to all EU territories below the level of the Member State, including regions, cities and cross-border territories with legal personality such as EGTCs and Euroregions. Applicants should:

• Possess competences at a political level (not necessarily legislative)
• Be able to implement an overall entrepreneurial vision
• Apply regardless of size, wealth or specific competences
• Include territories that are already successful or committed to change
  Cross-border regions are particularly encouraged to apply.

Deadline and procedure
The call for applications for EER 2027 is open until 19 March 2026 at midnight. For full details and application documents, visit the official EER website.