Access Europe Awards Celebrate Impact of EU funding for Civil Society
The transformative role of European Union funding in communities across Ireland was celebrated on 26 November at the Access Europe #OurEUStory Awards, held at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre.
Access Europe, funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs, supports civil society organisations to access and manage EU-funded projects through a suite of information, advisory and training services. This year’s awards placed a spotlight on the wide-ranging social, economic and cultural benefits achieved through EU-funded initiatives in towns and communities nationwide.
The annual #OurEUStory Awards are open to all civil society organisations in the Republic of Ireland who have participated in an EU-funded project or activity. Entrants submited a 140-second video via LinkedIn and/or Facebook, along with a short application form. Three prizes are awarded each year: €1,000 for first place, and €500 each for second and third place.
Tim Harrington, Director of EU Institutions and Co-ordination at the Department of Foreign Affairs, presented the awards, commending the innovation, collaboration and community spirit reflected in this year’s entries.
Congratulations to this year’s winners:
- Third place: Cyber Safety
- Second place: Midlands Ireland
- First place / Overall Winner of the #OurEUStory Awards 2025: Irish Red Cross
These organisations were recognised for their outstanding storytelling and for demonstrating the meaningful, on-the-ground impact of EU funding in Ireland.
For further information on Access Europe and its supports, visit the new, updated website at www.accesseurope.ie.