The Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC) in Barcelona brings together city leaders, innovators and changemakers from around the world to re-imagine the future of urban life. With more than 25,000 participants and 800 cities represented, it is one of the most influential gatherings on smart and sustainable cities.
This year, CITISENSE joined the conversation — bringing a European perspective on one of today’s most pressing challenges: how to make cities safer and more inclusive through collaboration and community trust.
Supported by the Barcelona Provincial Council, CITISENSE led the session “Connecting European Cities Towards Community-Based Urban Security” — a discussion that brought together local voices, European networks, and practical experiences from across the continent.
The session, moderated by Pablo Muñoz Unceta (Paisaje Transversal, URBACT Ad-Hoc Expert on Sustainable Urban Development), opened with welcoming remarks from:
- Gerard Mayol, Head of EU Funds and Programs Unit, Barcelona Provincial Council
- Evgenia Strati, Project Officer, URBACT Joint Secretariat
- Lucas Álvarez del Valle, Architect, URBACT/EUI National Contact Point for Spain
Together, they set the tone for the discussion: the future of urban security depends on collaboration — between cities, institutions and people.
URBACT ITNs: Fostering Innovative and Community-Based Urban Security
The next part of the session explored how URBACT Innovation Transfer Networks (ITNs) are helping cities test and adapt new ways to strengthen community-based safety.
- Pietro L. Verga, URBACT Lead Expert, CITISENSE ITN, introduced CITISENSE’S vision to help cities strengthen urban safety through integrated governance, digital tools, socio-spatial interventions and people-centred design — promoting inclusive, collaborative approaches to safer communities.
- Eduard Salmeron, International Relations Officer, Manresa City Council, presented how Manresa is applying these methods locally through revitalization projects.
- Daniela Patti, URBACT Lead Expert, 2Nite ITN, shared insights from the 2Nite network on promoting safety and vibrancy in cities after dark.
- Natalia Moreno Gamiz, 2Nite Local Coordinator, Sant Boi de Llobregat Town Council, explained how Sant Boi is linking social innovation and youth participation to strengthen community safety.
This exchange highlighted the value of peer learning across European cities and the power of adapting proven practices through networks like URBACT.
Innovative Approaches to Urban Security in Europe
The final block brought together city representatives and experts who shared diverse experiences in urban safety and innovation:
- Michael Bourmpos, Director of Information Technology, City of Piraeus (GR), CITISENSE ITN
- Nicola Masella, Unit Manager, Strategic Projects Department, City of Naples (IT), CITISENSE ITN
- Marlon Pareijn, Mayor, City of Geel (BE), CITISENSE ITN
- Kaspars Varpins, Deputy Chief, Liepāja Municipal Police (LV), CITISENSE ITN
- Bram Wetzels, Project Manager Innovation, City of Heerlen (NL), EUI-PULSE-TWIN
- Anjo Valentí Moll, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety, Manresa City Council & Vice-President, Eurotowns Network
Their stories showed how innovation takes many forms — from digital solutions in Piraeus to trust-based local safety in Liepāja, from inclusive urban planning in Naples to data-driven social innovation in Heerlen — yet all shared one belief: cities are safer when people are part of the process.
As Mayor Marlon Pareijn of Geel explained, “Safety is a key priority for our city — not only in terms of prevention and enforcement, but also in how we build connections between people. A safe city is one where residents look out for each other.”
His words underline that collaboration and trust lie at the heart of community safety. As Anjo Valentí Moll added, “Urban security starts with people. When communities feel part of the solution, safety becomes a shared goal.”
The session concluded with reflections from Pablo Muñoz Unceta and Gerard Mayol, who both emphasised how European cooperation is essential to tackling urban challenges.
Collaboration as a Catalyst
For CITISENSE, being part of the Smart City Expo was more than a showcase — it was proof that collaboration truly drives change. Across Europe, cities are showing that safety, inclusion, and innovation grow stronger when built together.
In Barcelona, that spirit came to life: a living example of how European cooperation and local action can go hand in hand. As CITISENSE looks ahead, the message is clear — the future of urban safety is collective, connected and deeply human.
