Networks and cities' news

PODCAST: Trebinje (Bosnia & Herzegovina): "It's about building digital infrastructure for future generations"

In the latest episode of the Residents of the Future podcast, URBACT Lead Expert Tiago Ferreira speaks with Tamara Dursun from the city administration and Slobodan Vulešević, URBACT Local Group (ULG) coordinator. Their conversation reflects both the structural causes of shrinkage and the practical steps Trebinje is taking to respond.

PODCAST: Iisalmi (Finland): "It's about building your city's brand on its strengths."

In this episode of the URBACT podcast Residents of the Future, lead expert Tiago Ferreira speaks with Terho Savolainen, Economic Development Director, and Mari Kuronen, Marketing Assistant from the City of Iisalmi, Finland. Together, they explore how a small city in the north is rethinking how it presents itself to the world in response to demographic change.

PODCAST: Alba Iulia (Romania): "It's about investing in young people."

In the latest episode of the Residents of the Future podcast, part of the URBACT Action Planning Network exploring urban shrinkage across Europe, host Tiago Ferreira speaks with Tudor Drămbărean from the municipality of Alba Iulia, Romania. Their conversation highlights how a city with deep historical roots is using European funding and youth-focused initiatives to build a sustainable future.

PODCAST | Plasencia (Spain): "It's about being close to each other"

How can a historic city facing population decline reinvent itself for the future? In this episode of Residents of the Future, URBACT Lead Expert Tiago Ferreira travels to Plasencia, Spain, a city known for its cathedral, medieval old town and natural surroundings, to explore how it is responding to urban shrinkage.

PODCAST: Saldus (Latvia) - Putting People First in the Fight Against Urban Shrinkage

Across Europe, many small cities are facing a shared challenge: population decline. In Latvia, this trend is particularly visible, and Saldus is no exception. Since 1991, the town has lost nearly 19% of its population — a reality felt not only in statistics, but in schools, kindergartens, local businesses, and daily life. In the latest episode of the Residents of the Future podcast, part of the URBACT programme, Lead Expert Tiago Ferreira speaks with Linda Medne, ULG Coordinator in Saldus, about how the city is responding to these challenges — and what gives reason for optimism.

Residents of the Future: Cities Enter the Final Stage of a Shared European Journey

Summary of the 7th Quarterly Report (July–September 2025)

By Tiago Ferreira

The seventh Quarterly Report of the Residents of the Future URBACT network marks a decisive turning point: after two years of experimentation, analysis and peer learning, all nine partner cities have now finalised their Integrated Action Plans (IAPs)—comprehensive roadmaps designed to help small and medium-sized European cities address population decline, strengthen local attractiveness, and build resilient futures.