The coastal municipality has established itself as a benchmark in social cohesion policies, earning two silver medals at the European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity Awards. The awards ceremony, held on Tuesday in Brussels, saw Orio recognized in two categories: local entities with fewer than 50,000 inhabitants and the special award for Inclusive Trade.

This fifth edition of the competition, promoted by the European Commission, highlighted the efforts of administrations to build fairer and discrimination-free communities. Orio competed against major cities such as Hannover (Germany), Leiden (Netherlands), Leuven (Belgium), and Milan (Italy), with Gipuzkoa's Azpeitia and Errenteria also among the candidates, the latter being the big winner with two gold medals.

The European Commission praised Orio's “outstanding contributions,” based on three strategic pillars combining tradition, security, and social rights. Among these, the Parrilla Festa stood out, an initiative launched last autumn after years of shared reflection with local stakeholders. This project not only reinvents a popular tradition from a sustainable and inclusive perspective but also acts as a driving force for local commerce.

The second pillar is the Bizitza Askeak Plazer strategy, introduced in November. This collaborative roadmap aims to eradicate violence and promote relationship models based on mutual respect and diversity (gender, LGTBIQ+ identity, origin, or disability).

Finally, the Saregile, Emakumeen Etxea was also recognized. This community infrastructure, operational since 2023, offers legal advice, emotional support, and empowerment programs, placing care at the center of the municipal political agenda. The Orio City Council emphasized that this international recognition belongs to all its residents, expressing special gratitude to the individuals, associations, and social agents who have contributed to each project.