Zaragoza received the European Commission’s 2026 Access City Award for creating an accessible and inclusive urban environment.
An isolated intervention is not sufficient. A ramp loses value when the pavement is blocked, the transport stop is inaccessible or information cannot be understood.
An uninterrupted chain
The full route must work from the home to the destination. Pavements, crossings, transport, doors, lifts and signs belong to the same experience.
Physical and cognitive accessibility
Cities must work for people with reduced mobility, visual or hearing impairments, older residents, families using pushchairs and people who process information differently.
Designing correctly from the beginning
Removing barriers after construction is normally more expensive. Accessibility included from the first stage improves the complete project and supports independence and dignity.
Editorial sources
Photograph: Elliott Brown from Birmingham, United Kingdom · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons