It may sound like the opening scene of a surreal science-fiction film, but to discover what these three things have in common, we need to look no further than Brussels. At the European Union’s REGIOSTARS 2026 awards ceremony, these three remarkable projects came together to challenge the familiar stereotype that EU cohesion policy is all about endless roadworks and ribbon-cutting ceremonies.
Held annually since 2008, the competition attracted a record 274 entries this year. From 25 finalists, an international jury selected the winners across six categories, demonstrating that truly groundbreaking developments often begin not with a budget, but with a bold idea.
Science Fiction Meets Education, and Waste Becomes a Valuable Resource
This year’s winner in the A Competitive and Smart Europe category was Slovakia’s AI Holopresence project. Its developers have harnessed artificial intelligence to take virtual interactions beyond the limitations of flat screens. The technology enables lifelike, three-dimensional holographic projections, potentially transforming what it means to be present, from remote learning to international professional collaboration.
In the Green Transition category, Germany’s eLiRec project tackled one of the most pressing challenges of the future. Using an innovative process that requires relatively little energy and few chemicals, the project recovers valuable raw materials from spent lithium-ion batteries. By keeping critical materials in circulation, it turns hazardous waste into a valuable resource while reducing the need for new raw materials.
Energy Security, Social Dialogue and a Library That Never Sleeps
In the A Connected Europe category, the award went to the liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Alexandroupolis, Greece. By opening up new energy supply routes, the facility is helping strengthen energy security across Southeast and Central Europe.
Germany’s BROTHERS programme stood out in the field of Social Inclusion. The initiative brings young men and professionals together to encourage open dialogue about non-violence, mutual respect and gender equality.
Perhaps one of the most unexpected success stories, however, comes from the Czech town of Žďár nad Sázavou. Its renovated library has shown that the days of libraries being little more than dusty shelves of books are long gone. Today, it is a thriving community hub, hosting more than 900 events every year, from activities for young children to artificial intelligence training sessions for older residents.
1,500 New Opportunities for Better Cancer Care
The competition’s Public Choice Award went to Portugal’s TeamUp4Cancer project. Focused on improving cancer diagnosis and research, the initiative has already enabled more than 1,500 patients to access advanced diagnostic tests, while hundreds more have had the opportunity to participate in potentially life-saving clinical research.
The REGIOSTARS Awards are not about unlocking new streams of funding. Instead, they shine a spotlight on outstanding EU-funded projects that have already made a tangible difference.
The key message from the 2026 winners is clear. The true value of European funding cannot be measured simply by the size of a project’s budget. It lies in the ideas, opportunities and stronger communities that continue to make a difference long after the ribbon has been cut.