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.

These new annual awards will honour three cities – one small, one mid-sized and one large – that have successfully fostered vibrant small retail. Cities will be evaluated in two stages. First, applications will be assessed across four key areas:  (i) sustainability, (ii) entrepreneurship & community engagement, (iii) digitalisation and (iv) urban vitality. Shortlisted cities will be admitted to the second stage. In the second stage, a European jury will select the winners based in addition on their proposed activity programme for 2026 as European Capitals of Small Retail. Cities from the EU and Single Market Programme countries can apply.

Winners will be announced at a ceremony taking place in Brussels in January 2026. Each winning city will benefit from a dedicated high-profile launch event and a full year of European promotion, including media exposure and support for showcasing their inspiring initiatives. The short-listed and the winning cities will also take part in an exchange program to learn from the experience of others in supporting small retail.