Organized by the National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria (NAMRB) in collaboration with the Ministry of Regional Development, the forum brought together key stakeholders to discuss the future of integrated urban development. One of the main panels - “European Urban Initiative and URBACT – Municipalities without Borders” - discussed on the methodology of URBACT IV, specifically exploring how municipalities can transcend administrative and geographical boundaries through strategic cooperation.
The core themes of the event were perfectly aligned with the objectives of the EmPowerIngUs (EPIU ITN) project. Our initiative is built upon a sophisticated 3x3 transfer matrix that addresses energy poverty across three scales—Housing, Building, and Neighborhood—through three strategic pillars: Understand, Support, and Act. During the panel, Georgi Petkov – ULG coordinator of the project and expert from Pomorie Municipality, presented the unique challenges it faces regarding energy poverty. This presentation underscored the project’s overarching goal: transferring the innovative "Energy Poverty Intelligence Unit" practice, originally developed in Getafe, to diverse urban contexts across Europe.
The discussion highlighted several critical pillars of the EPIU ITN network's mission. Central to these is the use of Data-Driven Solutions, specifically the Data Analytics System (DAS), which leverages AI and machine learning to uncover "hidden" energy poverty that traditional metrics often miss. Furthermore, the panel emphasized the importance of Inclusive Governance through the establishment of URBACT Local Groups (ULGs). These groups ensure that social policies are not just theoretical but actually reach the most vulnerable populations, including the elderly and migrant communities.
Thе participation in the panel served as a vital platform to demonstrate how the project’s transnational partnership is successfully translating complex European urban policies into tangible local actions. Ultimately, this event reinforced the profound relevance of the EmPowerIngUS network, proving that the specialized tools developed in Getafe are essential catalysts for the green and social transition of municipalities throughout the European Union.
