Get ready for an architectural extravaganza! The 2026 EU Mies Awards have just unveiled their shortlist, and it's a breathtaking showcase of contemporary design across Europe. With 40 exceptional works spanning 18 countries, this competition is a testament to the diverse and innovative talent shaping our built environment.
But here's where it gets controversial: the shortlist includes projects from emerging studios and established firms alike, with many architects working within their own regions and others collaborating across borders. So, is local expertise key, or does cross-border collaboration reign supreme? We'll let you decide as we dive into this architectural journey.
The shortlist covers a wide range of programs, from cultural buildings and mixed-use developments to educational facilities and landscape projects. It also includes works in health, infrastructure, urban planning, and social welfare, reflecting the architects' commitment to addressing societal challenges.
Among the 40 shortlisted works, France takes the lead with nine projects, followed by Spain with seven and Denmark with four. The remaining projects showcase the breadth of European architectural production, with entries from countries like Croatia, Hungary, Italy, and more.
And this is the part most people miss: the shortlist highlights the diversity of scales and contexts in architectural practice today. From large-scale urban interventions to intimate rural projects, these works demonstrate the versatility and creativity of contemporary architects.
The selection process was rigorous, with a seven-member jury chaired by Smiljan Radić evaluating the entries over several days in Barcelona. Now, the finalists will be announced in February 2026, and the winners will be revealed in April, leading up to the EUmies Awards Days in May.
So, without further ado, let's explore the 40 shortlisted projects and discover the architectural gems that will shape Europe's future. From public swimming pools to cultural centers and sustainable schools, these works will inspire and challenge our perceptions of design.
Austria:
- Public Swimming Pool Großfeldsiedlung / illiz architektur
Belgium:
- Charleroi Palais des Expositions / AgwA + architecten jan de vylder inge vinck
- Abby Kortrijk / Barozzi Veiga + Tab Architects
- USquare Feder / Callebaut architecten + BC architects & studies + evr-Architecten bvba + VK architects+engineers
Croatia:
- Gruž Market in Dubrovnik / ARP
- Double Villa Bukovac / njiric+ arhitekti
Czech Republic:
- Multifunctional Hall in Imperial Spa / Petr Hájek ARCHITEKTI
Denmark:
- Thoravej 29 / pihlmann architects
- Grønningen-Bispeparken / SLA
- Masterplan for Carlsberg Byen / entasis
- Centre for Health / Dorte Mandrup A/S
Finland:
- Tammela Stadium / JKMM Architects
France:
- Multi-Service Cultural Centre Le Foirail / Betillon & Freyermuth* + Crypto Architectes
- Lot 8, LUMA Arles - Renovation of Le Magasin Électrique / ASSEMBLE + Atelier Luma + BC architects & studies
- Josephine Baker - Marie-Jose Perec Sports and Cultural Centre / onze04
- M37 house in Contis / BAST + LITTORAL
- Third Place Flow / Office Zola architectes
- 206 Lafayette - Restructuring and Densification of a Mixed-Use Block Including Offices, Social Housing and Stores / DATA ARCHITECTES + THINK TANK architecture
- Seed School: Growing Schools from Rammed Earth, Wood, and Recycled Concrete / a+ samueldelmas architectes urbanistes
- 56 Social Dwellings / Jean et Aline Harari architectes
- School of Music, Dance and Theater / LINK architectes + Doucerain Lièvre Delziani Architectes
Hungary:
- The Dryer Workshop / dmb műterem Ltd.
Italy:
- Bicocca Superlab / BALANCE ARCHITETTURA
- The Project of Time - Restoration of the Former Church of San Barbaziano / Studio Poggioli
Lithuania:
- Stasys Museum / IMPLMNT Architects
Norway:
- Čoarvemátta - Sámi Theater, High School and Reindeer Herding School / 70°N arkitektur + Joar Nango + Snøhetta
- Sundshopen - Norwegian Scenic Routes / Rever & Drage Architects
Poland:
- Warsaw Uprising Mound / TopoScape + Archigrest
Portugal:
- Graça Funicular / Atelier Bugio
Slovakia:
- Extension of a Primary School - New School Pavilion and Multipurpose Hall / BAKYTA ARCHITEKTI
Slovenia:
- Temporary Spaces for Slovenian National Theatre Drama / Vidic Grohar Arhitekti
Spain:
- Rehabilitation of Vapor Cortès - Prodis 1923 / H ARQUITECTES
- Interventions in the Monastery of Santa Maria de Sijena / Pemán y Franco + Sebastián Arquitectos
- 10K House / TAKK // Mireia Luzárraga + Alejandro Muiño
- Round About Baths / Leopold Banchini Architects
- DH Ecoenergy Plant #1 / FRPO Rodríguez & Oriol
- GREENH@USE 140 Social Housing in 22@ BCN / peris+toral.arquitectes + L3J Tècnics Associats
- Plaça Major - Public Space. Heritage, Housing and Urban Life / Un Parell d'Arquitectes + Pep de Solà-Morales Arquitectes + Quim Domene
Sweden:
- Stjärnorp Castle Ruin / Wikerstål Arkitekter + Tengbom Arkitekter
Tunisia:
- Land of Wells / Collective Bled el Abar
Get ready to be inspired and join the conversation! Which projects do you think will take home the top honors? Share your thoughts and let's celebrate the brilliance of European architecture together.
