Under the motto “All different. All together.”, the European Association for Rural Development and Village Renewal (ARGE) celebrated the 19th European Village Renewal Award (EV!RA) in Kostelní Lhota, Czech Republic.
The awards were presented on 11 September 2026, bringing together around 600 participants from approximately 30 European countries and regions. The ceremony recognised 25 participating villages, municipalities and regions and formed part of a three-day programme dedicated to exchanging experiences, sharing ideas and strengthening cooperation across rural Europe.
The overall winner of the 2026 European Village Renewal Award was the intermunicipal alliance Valposchiavo in Graubünden, Switzerland. Its flagship initiative “100% Valposchiavo” was recognised for strengthening regional value creation, sustainable agriculture and local economic cycles while combining tradition, innovation and an inclusive approach. PA_EViRA2026_engl
The 2026 edition also introduced a new distinction, “EV!RA Laureate”, recognising individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the future of Europe’s rural areas. The first recipient was Theres Friewald-Hofbauer, who has played a central role in ARGE for decades and helped shape all 19 editions of the competition.
The European Village Renewal Award was launched in 1990 to promote the exchange of experience, contribute to European integration and raise awareness of the importance of rural regions. Held every two years, it brings exemplary rural development and renewal processes from across Europe into the spotlight.
Photo: from left to right – Mayor of Kostelní Lhota Tomáš DROBNÝ; Theres Friewald-Hofbauer, European Association for Rural Development and Village Renewal; Governor of the Central Bohemian Region Petra Pecková; the winners from Valposchiavo; Head of the European Association for Rural Development and Village Renewal, Governor of Lower Austria Johanna Mikl-Leitner; Head of the Jury Nadja Häupl. ©NLK Khittl
Further information
Read the full press release for more information about the European Village Renewal Award 2026, the winning initiative and this year’s ceremony.
Full press release – European Village Renewal Award 2026 (PDF)
For a complete overview of the 2026 award recipients, including the Gold, Silver and Bronze award categories, see:
European Village Renewal Award 2026 – Overview of Award Recipients (PDF)