The European Commission and the Fundació Mies van der Rohe have announced the seven
finalists for the 2026 European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture / Mies van der Rohe
Awards, supported by the European Union’s Creative Europe programme. Five projects have
been selected in the Architecture category and two in the Emerging category.

The jury considers the 7 finalist works of the EUmies Awards 2026 to be exemplary
contributions to the future of European architecture. They highlight how architecture can
respond to both specific local conditions and broader societal challenges, creating inclusive,
high-quality environments where people live, learn, and meet.

These works demonstrate a careful balance between radical innovation and sensitivity to
context. Some transform overlooked areas – former industrial zones, small villages, or
peripheral urban districts – while others intervene in larger cities with subtlety and respect for
existing neighbourhoods. In each case, the architects’ decisions are guided by a deep
understanding of the social, cultural, and environmental forces shaping contemporary life.
What unites these works is their focus on the human dimension: architecture that does not
merely occupy space but enhances everyday life. They show that architecture can be both
rigorous and playful, experimental yet grounded, and always attentive to the people who inhabit
and use it. In a Europe facing political, environmental, and social challenges, these works offer
hope and demonstrate the enduring value of thoughtful, engaged design.

The 5 Architecture finalist works are the Palais des Expositions in Charleroi
(Hainaut, BE) by AgwA and architecten jan de vylder inge vinck (Brussels and Ghent,
BE); the Rehabilitation of Vapor Cortès – Prodis 1923 in Terrassa (Catalonia, ES) by
H ARQUITECTES (Sabadell, ES); Lot 8, LUMA Arles – Renovation of Le Magasin
Électrique in Arles (Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, FR) by Atelier Luma and BC
architects & studies with ASSEMBLE (Arles, FR, Brussels, BE, London, UK); the
Josephine Baker – Marie-Jose Perec Sports and Cultural Centre in La BouëxièreBeuzid-ar-C’hoadoù (Brittany, FR) by onze04 (Nantes, FR-Barcelona, ES); and the
Gruž Market in Dubrovnik (Adriatic Croatia, HR) by ARP / Peračić-Veljačić (Split, HR).

The 2 Emerging finalist works are the Multi-Service Cultural Centre Le Foirail in
Laguiole-La Guiòla (Occitanie, FR) by Betillon & Freyermuth* and Crypto
Architectes (Toulouse, FR); and the Temporary Spaces for the Slovenian National
Theatre Drama in Ljubljana (Western Slovenia, SI) by Vidic Grohar Arhitekti
(Ljubljana, SI).

The announcement of both the Architecture Winner and the Emerging Winner will take
place on 16 April in Oulu, Northern Ostrobothnia, Finland, one of the two European
Capitals of Culture 2026.

The EUmies Awards Days with the Awards Ceremony, exhibitions and debates, will
take place on 11 and 12 May 2026 in Barcelona in the context of Barcelona World
Capital of Architecture UNESCO-UIA.

Save the date for the lectures, debates, exhibition opening and celebration with the jury members, winners, finalists, clients and other guests and representatives.

Read more here.