The first phase of the project was focused on understanding the practice, learning from one another and identifying what could be adapted to local needs. Here are the key milestones so far:
First transnational meeting: Ostrava, February 2026
The network kicked off with an introduction to Ostrava’s Tvoříme prostor grant programme. Partners explored how open calls, micro-grants, administrative support and community engagement work together to help and guide residents turn their ideas into real projects. The meeting provided a first-hand look at the practice and the conditions that have enabled it to develop over time.
City visits: February – May 2026
Each partner city welcomed the network to explore its public spaces, local initiatives and urban challenges. The visits offered insights into the relationships between public administrations and residents, existing opportunities for community involvement and the local conditions. They also helped partners identify which elements of Ostrava’s approach might work in their own contexts. Discover the city visits.
Second transnational meeting: Koszalin, May 2026
Partners shared insights from the city visits and discussed how Ostrava’s practice could be adapted to different local needs. The exchange confirmed that successful transfer is not about copying an existing model, but about selecting and tailoring its most relevant elements.
Transferability Study: June 2026
The Study brought together the findings from the first phase and helped each partner identify which elements of Ostrava’s practice were most relevant to its local context. The study marked an important milestone, turning shared learning into a foundation for local experiments (Testing Actions). Read the full Study.
URBACT Local Groups: First round (spring) and second round (autumn 2026)
Local administrations, residents, organisations and other stakeholders came together to discuss local needs and prepare ideas for future Testing Actions. Learn more about the ULGs.
What lies ahead?
The network will move from the Understand to the Adapt Phase at its third transnational meeting, taking place in Niš, Serbia, on 3–4 November 2026. Partners will present their proposed Testing Actions, outlining which elements of Ostrava’s good practice they plan to adapt and test in their local contexts, and receive feedback from the network partners and Lead Expert.
In the coming months, partners will further develop their proposals and put selected elements of the Ostrava approach to the test. The experience gained will then feed into Transfer Plans for each partner city, while Ostrava will use the lessons learned to further improve its original practice.
The journey continues with a shared ambition: to turn European knowledge exchange into practical solutions that help local communities shape better public spaces.