Kaunas has once again received important recognition at the CEE Business Services Awards, which took place on 5-6 March in Warsaw. It was nominated in the Emerging City of the Year category. This is not the first time that Kaunas has been included among the most dynamic cities in Central and Eastern Europe: it was also recognized in this category in 2023 and 2022. This consistent recognition confirms the city’s focused strategy and growing attractiveness to investors.
According to Tadas Stankevičius, Head of Kaunas IN, the event is designed to recognize outstanding achievements in the service and business center sector in Central and Eastern Europe, and the awards are given to both fast-growing companies and cities demonstrating growing investment potential.
“The nomination of Kaunas in this category is a significant achievement, showing that the city is visible in the international arena, where the competition for investment is particularly high. Participation in such awards not only reinforces the city’s internationality but also increases its attractiveness to both investors and new residents. In the current geopolitical context, it is especially important to strengthen international relations and encourage business integration into global markets. The more international businesses establish themselves in Kaunas, the more competitive, secure, and attractive the city becomes for both businesses and talent,” T. Stankevičius says.
This competition, now in its 13th consecutive year, attracts hundreds of companies, organizations, and municipalities from across the region seeking prestigious recognition. This year, more than 120 participants advanced to the final stage, competing for awards in 27 different categories. The winners are selected based on both public voting, which accounts for one-third of the final decision, and the evaluation of a special committee composed of representatives from Central and Eastern European business sectors, public institutions, and organizations.
This year, Kaunas was competing against Hungary’s second-largest city, Debrecen, which won in the Emerging City of the Year category.
The potential of Kaunas has not gone unnoticed in other international rankings. This year, the city was ranked as one of Europe’s most attractive places for investment. In the prestigious fDi Intelligence European Cities and Regions of the Future 2025 ranking, Kaunas was ranked 7th in the small cities category for human capital and quality of life.
