The EU Cities for Fair and Ethical Trade Award is part of the EU’s efforts to raise awareness about how purchasing decisions of EU consumers can affect the environment and livelihoods of people in other countries – and the role that cities and local authorities have to play in making sure that those decisions are well-informed. Cities have the opportunity to showcase their efforts in raising awareness about and commitment to sustainable, fair and ethical trade – and to learn about new approaches from other cities and local authorities through exchange of good practices, ideas, initiatives, and experiences.

Why should cities participate?

The Award comes with a range of benefits for the applicant and winning cities:

• Promotion of pioneers and championing of inspiring cities and their stories of sustainable trade;
• Prestigious recognition for cities supporting sustainable, fair and ethical trade with the winners announced during the Award ceremony;
• Increased visibility and enhanced reputation;
• Networking and experience-sharing opportunities for shortlisted cities in the Network of EU Cities for Fair and Ethical Trade;
• Opportunity to implement a sustainable city cooperation project in a developing country with the International Trade Centre and funded by the European Commission