Networks and cities' news

Insights and advancements from from quartely network journal #2

Local groups and local stakeholders, what a role! One of the defining features of the URBACT Innovative Transfer Network is the central role played by the URBACT Local Groups (ULGs). EmPowerIngUs makes shows clearly how across the five partner cities, these multi-stakeholder platforms are supporting the transfer of the Energy Poverty Intelligence Unit (EPIU) Good Practice from Getafe, Spain, while adapting its methods to local contexts and priorities.

Although each city has developed its own governance structure, all ULGs share a common objective: bringing together public authorities, social actors, technical experts and community representatives to address energy poverty through collaborative and integrated approaches.  

Insights and advancements from quartely network journal #1

Joining forces on #energypoverty

Across Europe, local authorities are increasingly facing the challenge of helping vulnerable households cope with rising energy costs while supporting a fair and inclusive energy transition. The EmPowerIngUs project, funded through the URBACT programme, is demonstrating how international cooperation can help cities address this challenge more effectively.

From knowledge transfer to local action: key lessons from the EmPowerIngUs Transnational Meeting in Etterbeek

Written by Marta Acosta and Fernando Gonzalez

The second Transnational Meeting (TNM) of the URBACT Innovation Transfer Network EmPowerIngUs took place in Etterbeek, Belgium at the beginning of June 2025, bringing together representatives from Getafe, Maia, Trikala, Pomorie and the host city. The meeting marked an important step in the network’s evolution, moving from the initial phase of mutual learning towards the practical preparation of local transfer actions aimed at tackling energy poverty and promoting healthier, more resilient communities.

Harnessing data to combat energy poverty

Written by Aegli Gioumi

The city of Trikala (Greece) hosted the second transnational meeting of the EmPowerIngUs network between 15th and 17th of April 2025. Partners from across Europe gathered at the "GiSeMi HUB" Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center to dive deep into the technical heart of the project: using data as a weapon against energy poverty. As part of the URBACT IV Innovation Transfer Mechanism, the EmPowerIngUs network is focused on adapting and implementing the successful model developed by Getafe (Spain) to help cities identify, monitor, and alleviate energy poverty.

ReDAN partners meet in Ormož to explore how degraded areas can become places for nature and people

What can happen when a degraded industrial area is no longer seen only as a problem, but as an opportunity? This question guided the kick-off meeting of the URBACT IV Transfer Network ReDAN – Reviving Degraded Areas for Nature and People, held in Ormož, Slovenia, from 4 to 7 May 2026.

The meeting was hosted by the Research and Development Centre RRC Ormož (Slovenia), Lead Partner of the network, and brought together partners from the Municipality of Alcanena (Portugal), Limerick City and County Council (Ireland), the Municipality of Srebrenica (Bosnia and Herzegovina), the Municipality of Bogovinje (North Macedonia), the Municipality of Priboj (Serbia), and the Municipality of Yaremche (Ukraine).

Although the partners come from very different local contexts, they all share a similar challenge: how to give new life to degraded, abandoned or underused areas in a way that benefits both nature and local communities.

2nd SPARK Transnational Meeting at Roeselare, Belgium

Last week on the 27th and the 28th of May, the SPARK partners gathered in Roeselare for two productive days of learning, exchange and collaboration focused on the strategic use of public procurement.