In Etterbeek (Brussels – Belgium), citizen participation is a cross-cutting priority of the 2025–2027 legislative term, seen as a structuring lever for local democracy and social cohesion. In this context, thematic advisory councils play a key role as spaces for dialogue between citizens, associations and public authorities.

The municipality of Etterbeek (Brussels – Belgium) is facing a growing challenge in terms of social cohesion and citizen participation in a context of very high diversity: nearly 50% of its residents do not hold Belgian nationality, and more than 150 nationalities coexist. This reality represents both a strength and a challenge, particularly in terms of integration, democratic participation, and preventing the emergence of “community bubbles”.

The municipality of Etterbeek (Brussels - Belgium) owns the Hap site, a high-quality heritage complex comprising a listed 19th-century mansion, an orangery and a 1.3-hectare public park. The site was fully renovated between 2017 and 2020 thanks to significant public investment.

The NEB-STEAM LABS Action Network aims to support European cities in implementing innovative, integrated and participatory approaches that connect education, creativity, technology and entrepreneurship, in line with the principles of the New European Bauhaus (NEB).

Alba Iulia Municipality is preparing an URBACT Action Planning Network focused on transforming cycling strategies into real, connected, and scalable urban mobility solutions.

Main topic: Dual-use urban spaces for climate resilience: rethinking sports and green areas as multifunctional infrastructures that combine everyday wellbeing uses with climate adaptation functions such as flood management, heat mitigation, and ecological regeneration.
• Rethinking sports and green areas as dual-use urban infrastructures.
• Positioning traditional public spaces into strategic assets for climate adaptation and everyday urban life.

Main Objective: To present the project and its best practices, exporting the concept to other regions of Europe that can learn from our experience.

Context: Promoting cultural democracy, cultural heritage and artistic creation and circulation through music.