Foreign direct investment (FDI) is a major driver of economic development worldwide and the competition to attract it is fiercer than ever.

The pandemic caused FDI flows to plummet, meaning investment destinations have had to fight for their share of a shrinking pool of capital. While recovery has meant a rebound in investment levels, the market dynamics remain difficult and locations worldwide are having to adapt to new patterns of working, changes in global supply chains and disruptions caused by Russia’s attack on Ukraine.

But cities across Europe are facing these challenges head-on and continuing to fight for FDI. In a first-ever collaboration, EuropaProperty and Investment Monitor are teaming up to recognize the best and the brightest of Europe’s investment destinations.

The European Leadership Awards will highlight the cities that are leading the way when it comes to inward investment, and we will be inviting mayors of the winning cities to a special awards ceremony to take place at MIPIM 2023 in Cannes.

Methodology

The awards will be decided by a mix of quantitative and qualitative factors.

The data-led component will be based on FDI performance according to Investment Monitor’s proprietary FDI Projects Database and will measure which cities saw the best growth in inbound FDI over the previous 3 years.

The subjective component will be determined by a judging panel of the EuropaProperty and Investment Monitor editorial teams, based on answers submitted to an online entry form.