The City of Ghent (Belgium) was recently announced as the winner of the first EU Fair and Ethical Trade City Award at an award ceremony in Brussels (Belgium).

The award, which was launched in December of last year, is an initiative of the European Commission, which the Directorate-General for Trade (DG Trade) launched as a commitment of its "Trade for all" communication on trade and investment policy, published in 2015. The award recognises and supports local initiatives currently taking place in European cities to encourage fair and ethical trading practices.

In congratulating Ghent for winning the award, Commissioner Cecilia Malmström said: “From a strong field of candidates, Ghent won because of the city government's clear commitment to putting ideas into concrete practice, a packed programme of events, and its impressive pedigree as Belgium's first Fair Trade Town. Other cities in Europe and beyond can learn from what Ghent has done.”

During the award ceremony several 'Special Mention’ awards in four categories were handed out: Lyon (France) received the ​Special Mention for Innovation, Dortmund (Germany) the ​Special Mention for Education and Community Participation, Madrid (Spain) the Special Mention for Global Partnerships and Saarbrücken (Germany) the Special Mention for Inspiring Procurement Practice.

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