URBACT stories

Do we need participatory democracy to save democracy?

Everyone acknowledges today that democracies around the world are increasingly challenged. The number of issues they have to face – and have difficulties to respond to (social justice, economic stability, climate change, etc.) – put our democracies at risk. On top of that, a growing number of people feel that they are not listened to or taken into consideration by policymakers. Citizens claim a right to have a say in public decisions, choices, and policies that are made.

“Be a voyager, not a tourist:” Introducing the Action Planning Network Tourism-Friendly Cities

“I welcome in my restaurant voyagers, not tourists. People who are curious and respectful of the local lifestyle, who appreciate that the daily menu depends of the fresh and locally available products and who do some research before visiting”.

Fausto Cavanna, owner, La Taverna di Colombo, Genoa (Italy)

“A big city is one that makes us feel big” – how digitalisation can change our perception of smaller cities

The ‘IoTXchange’ URBACT ‘project that just kicked off this October in the Portuguese small city of Fundão - better known until now by its cherry trees - grouping other small cities across the theme of ‘Internet of Things for Urban Development’, has got us all thinking about what it really takes to be a ‘big’ city.

The Leipzig Charter and URBACT - an explainer

Why City Labs? Find out more in our explainer.

Urban Solutions: five early lessons from the URBACT Transfer Networks

Find out why (and how) to share urban good practices!

Finding the silver lining in empty heritage: tales of temporary use

In Ostrava (CZ) and Caen (FR), URBACT’s temporary use legacy lives on, creating new opportunities.