Networks and cities' news

Bridging Past and Future: EcoCore’s Final Meeting in Dubrovnik

After a morning of heavy rain, the clouds lifted to reveal a spectacular rainbow arcing across the Adriatic, perfectly framing Dubrovnik’s rugged peninsula. It  was a breathtaking sight and a fitting metaphor for the EcoCore journey.

Over the past two and a half years, partners had weathered their own storms -  learning, co-creating, and challenging themselves and each other to think differently. Now, standing together beneath that rainbow, they could finally see the result: robust Integrated Action Plans, ready to launch across their cities.

Exploring Smart Futures in Alba Iulia: EcoCore Core Network Meeting Energises Green Transition Momentum

From May 19–22, the historic city of Alba Iulia, Romania, hosted the latest EcoCore Core Network Meeting, gathering municipal leaders, sustainability experts, and URBACT partners to exchange ideas and accelerate the green transition in small cities. From the moment partners arrived, Alba Iulia’s trademark warmth and hospitality wrapped everyone in a sense of belonging. 
 

The event spotlighted Alba Iulia’s impressive journey as one of Romania’s most ambitious urban innovators - a city that has reinvented itself through vision, EU funding, and smart partnerships.
 

Planning Industrial Corridors with a User-Centered Approach

When designing new developments, it’s essential to consider the diverse needs of different user groups. In the URBACT EcoCore Action Planning Network, this means creating green industrial corridors that are welcoming, safe, and sustainable—encouraging low-carbon transport options while ensuring accessibility for all.

A user-centered approach that prioritizes inclusion and diversity doesn’t just improve functionality—it drives innovation and sustainability. So, how can we design industrial spaces that close skills gaps, foster collaboration, and attract a diverse workforce?

Beyond car dependency & brain drain: How Ormož is striving for a more sustainable future

From February 3rd to 6th, 2025, urban practitioners and stakeholders from the URBACT EcoCore network gathered in Ormož, Slovenia for a transnational partner visit. The meeting provided an opportunity to explore innovative solutions in investment attraction, sustainable mobility, business zone development and industrial transformation. These topics resonate with cities across Europe facing economic transitions, talent retention challenges, and sustainability goals. In this article we share some of the key takeaways on these topics from our meeting in Ormoz. 

Midpoint Milestones for the URBACT EcoCore Network: A Review of Test Actions Across Partner Cities

As the EcoCore network reaches its halfway point, the nine partner cities across Europe have made significant strides in their shared mission to proactively work with stakeholders to put in place the conditions required to capitalise on the opportunities of the green transition.

To date, the network has travelled to six of the nine partner cities to participate in core network meetings, see good practices firsthand, and exchange on challenges and opportunities related to the green transition. Cities visited so far include Balbriggan, Santo Tirso, Parnu, Tuusula, Kekava, and Villena. In 2025, partners will visit Ormoz, Alba Iulia, and Dubrovnik. 

Advancing Green and Smart Urban Development in Villena

From November 18th -21st, 2024, Villena, Spain, hosted a pivotal meeting of the EcoCore Network, which included the mid-term review of the project and a masterclass on Smart and Green Industrial Zones. The event, enriched by expert contributions, site visits, and workshops, provided a comprehensive platform for exploring strategies that align industrial development with sustainability and innovation.