40 works shortlisted for the 2026 EU Prize for Contemporary Architecture
The jury has shortlisted 40 works that span 36 cities across 30 regions and 18 countries, illustrating the diversity of contemporary architecture in Europe.
Highlighting today’s renewed architectural culture across Europe
The European Commission and the Fundació Mies van der Rohe have announced the 40 shortlisted works for the 2026 European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture / Mies van der Rohe Awards (EUmies Awards).
The jury underlined the growing alignment between architecture, urban planning, and governance to meet the ambitions of the European Green Deal and to shape resilient, high-quality environments for all.
“Freshness” emerged as a key theme this year, reflected in projects that bring new ideas and perspectives while thoughtfully transforming existing structures or proposing innovative new constructions. The selection spans 36 cities in 18 countries, from major metropolitan contexts to very small towns, demonstrating the rich diversity of contemporary European architecture.
The shortlist also highlights the importance of public investment, local engagement, and collaborative practice. Most works were designed by studios based in the same region, alongside transnational and transregional teams. Combining emerging and established practices, the 40 works illustrate how creativity, responsibility, and contextual sensitivity continue to shape Europe’s architectural culture today.
Members of the jury
- Smiljan Radić (chair)
- Carl Bäckstrand
- Chris Briffa
- Zaiga Gaile
- Tina Gregorič
- Nikolaus Hirsch
- Rosa Rull
Next steps until the announcement of the winners
February
The jury will announce the finalists. Then, the jury members will visit these works and take their final decision.
April
The Architecture and Emerging Winners will be announced.
May
Awards ceremony at the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion in Barcelona.
The Architecture Prize winner and the Emerging Architecture Prize Winner will receive a trophy and respectively respectively €60 000 and €30 000.
The finalists and the project supporters (those who commission the buildings) will also receive a sculpture recognizing their essential contributions to contemporary architecture.
About the EU Prize for Contemporary Architecture
The EUmies Awards, supported by the European Union through the Creative Europe programme, recognise how architecture across Europe is embracing innovation, sustainability, and long-term social impact.
The Prize is awarded every second year to works completed within the previous 2 years by architects from Creative Europe participating countries.
The principal objective of the prize is to recognize and commend excellence and innovation in the field of architecture. It also highlights the important contribution of European professionals to the sustainable development and transformation of Europe’s built environment.
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