The first edition of the EU Cities for Fair and Ethical Trade Award took place in 2018. The call for applications was launched in December 2017. By the close of the applications deadline, the project team had received 18 valid applications. From this, the Evaluation Committee shortlisted seven cities. Based on this shortlist, the Jury determined the overall Award winner as well as four cities that were awarded ‘Special Mentions’. The titles were awarded at a ceremony in June by EU Commissioner for Trade, Ms. Cecilia Malmström, and Executive Director of the International Trade Centre, Ms. Arancha González.