DG Regio has launched the 2012 RegioStars Awards. The Awards are targeted at the identification, dissemination and communication of good, innovative practices funded through the EU's Cohesion policy.

For the 2012 Awards, projects are invited to share their good practices in the following categories:

1. SMART GROWTH: Innovative projects or schemes supporting service innovation in its different forms.
2. SUSTAINABLE GROWTH: Investments in ecosystem services and green infrastructure leading to sustainable regional development.
3. INCLUSIVE GROWTH: Strategies, initiatives or projects addressing the challenge of demographic change and supporting active ageing (2012 is the "European Year of Active Ageing and Intergenerational Solidarity").
4. CITYSTAR CATEGORY: Integrated strategies for the development of deprived urban areas. 
5. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION CATEGORY: Informing the public on the internet about projects benefiting from EU Regional policy.  to share with other European regions your good practices by presenting relevant applications.

The deadline for the submission of projects is the 15 July 2011. 

Further information on how to apply, including on the eligibility and awards criteria, can be found on: http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/cooperation/interregional/ecochange/regiostars_12_en.cfm?nmenu=4