The Umbria region in Italy and the German city of Duisburg are among the three winners of the 2027 European Entrepreneurial Region (EER) award.
The labels are awarded every two years by the European Committee of the Regions to three cities or regions with outstanding, future-oriented strategies to support small and medium businesses, as well as start-ups and innovation. The lead theme of the 2027 awards was “Boosting local drivers of growth for EU competitiveness.”
Announced during the 2026 European Week of Regions and Cities, two out of three awards went to progressive-led territories.
Under the leadership of Stefania Proietti, President of the Umbria Region and a member of the PES Group in the European Committee of the Regions, the region was recognised for turning innovation, youth and simplification into concrete action. Umbria developed a growth model for small and medium businesses centred on industrial innovation, digitalisation and sustainability.
Kata Tüttő, President of the European Committee of the Regions awards the 2027 EER Award to Stefania Proietti, President of the Umbria region. © European Union / Fred Guerdin
The City of Duisburg, led by social-democratic mayor Sören Link, was another awardee. Building on its strengths as Europe’s largest inland port and a leading logistics and industrial hub, Duisburg was honoured for its transformation into a forward-looking city for sustainable growth.
Rasmus C. Beck, CEO of Duisburg Business & Innovation, accepts the award on behalf of the City of Duisburg. © European Union / Fred Guerdin
Umbria and Duisburg are showing that progressive leadership can help businesses stay competitive in a tougher global economy, amid high energy costs and geopolitical instability.