A European Cooperation Entering a Key Phase
For the City of Agen, lead partner of the project, this meeting marks a new milestone: the development of the Integrated Action Plan (IAP)—a strategic document that will synthesize the project’s learnings and outline the city’s future directions in tackling social isolation.
After the implementation of initial local experiments—such as the Friendship Benches, the Guide to Combat Social Isolation, and ongoing initiatives like Active Retirement and Cultural Prescriptions—this new phase actively involves the local group and municipal elected officials in shaping the IAP.
Northern Inspiration
Beyond updates on each partner’s progress, the stay in Tønder offered the chance to discover many local initiatives that inspired all delegations:
Bicycle infrastructure designed to promote soft mobility
An open, digitally connected town hall, redesigned as part of a major national administrative reform
Green-integrated waste collection points in public spaces
Innovative public services, like automated passport stations
Targeted citizen consultations, currently focused on revitalizing the city center
Exceptional public space stewardship by residents—an inspiration to all network cities
These practical discoveries, deeply rooted in Danish civic culture, sparked rich reflections on how to strengthen civic engagement, build social connections, and reimagine public action in the service of all.
See You in September for What’s Next!
The next TNM will take place in September in Fót, Hungary, continuing this collective momentum and further refining the Integrated Action Plans. Until then, work continues locally with the same driving ambition: to break social isolation through experimentation, innovation, and European cooperation.
