The European Commission and the Fundació Mies van der Rohe have officially announced the 40 shortlisted works for the 2026 European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture—Mies van der Rohe Awards. This prestigious biennial award received 410 nominations from across Europe, from which the jury selected projects representing 18 countries and 36 cities. The announcement provides a comprehensive snapshot of contemporary architectural production throughout the continent. France leads the pack with nine projects, while Spain follows with seven and Denmark with four. The remaining entries are distributed among a diverse range of European nations. The jury will announce the finalists in February 2026, with the ultimate winners revealed in April, just before the EUmies Awards Days celebration in May.
The shortlisted projects encompass an impressive range of 15 different building programs, reflecting the multifaceted nature of modern architecture. These include cultural institutions, mixed-use developments, educational facilities, landscape architecture, residential housing, sports and leisure complexes, healthcare buildings, infrastructure works, urban planning initiatives, and social welfare structures. The selection comprises 21 regeneration projects that breathe new life into existing buildings, 17 brand-new constructions, and two extensions. This variety demonstrates how architects are employing different strategies to tackle pressing social, cultural, and environmental challenges across Europe, from revitalizing historic urban cores to creating sustainable new communities.
A distinguished seven-member jury, chaired by acclaimed Chilean architect Smiljan Radić, undertook the rigorous selection process during intensive evaluation sessions held in Barcelona. The panel reviewed submissions from an exceptionally wide array of practices, from young, emerging studios to internationally renowned firms. Many of the selected projects involved complex multidisciplinary collaborations, reflecting the increasingly integrated nature of architectural practice today. The shortlist features works by architects working within their home regions, as well as projects born from transregional and international partnerships, highlighting the critical role of both local expertise and cross-border cooperation in shaping Europe's built environment.
The geographic and typological diversity of the shortlist reveals important trends in contemporary European architecture. Beyond the three leading nations, the selection includes compelling works from Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, and Tunisia. Specific standout projects include the Abby Kortrijk cultural center in Belgium, designed by Barozzi Veiga and Tab Architects; the Tammela Stadium in Finland by JKMM Architects; and the Gruž Market revitalization in Dubrovnik, Croatia by ARP. These projects vary dramatically in scale, from major urban interventions to modest rural installations, proving that impactful architecture can emerge in any context.
The EU Mies Awards, named in honor of modernist master Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, stand as Europe's highest honor for architectural achievement. The award recognizes not only design excellence and innovation but also projects that demonstrate profound social responsibility and cultural sensitivity. As the continent grapples with urgent challenges including climate adaptation, affordable housing shortages, migration, and urban inequality, the shortlisted works offer valuable insights into architectural solutions. The upcoming awards ceremony in May 2026 will serve as an important gathering for architects, policymakers, academics, and the public to celebrate projects that meaningfully contribute to Europe's evolving architectural landscape and collective future.
