Slovenia's capital, shortlisted for the award alongside Lyon, Luxembourg and Viborg, was praised for integrating accessibility in its overall policy and appointing a special advisory committee to directly involve elderly and people with disabilities in the policymaking.

Viborg in Denmark received a special mention for reconciling its historical heritage and hilly landscape with an accessible infrastructure.

Marianne Thyssen, the European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility, said that the EU had agreed with the proclamation of the European pillar of social rights in November that "a social, inclusive Europe is the way forward".

"Making our cities and societies more accessible for people with disabilities is therefore a must," she stressed as she thanked the cities that participated in the competition for their efforts in making this happen.

After being appointed the European Green Capital last year, Ljubljana has incorporated accessibility in its overall policy, including in removing architectural and communication obstacles.