Networks and cities' news

A conversation on energy poverty, knowledge transfer, governance and the role of cities in Europe

Contacted by Maximiliano Schulz, intern at the German URBACT Point, EmPowerIngUs Coordinator Fernando Gonzalez Ferreira and Ad Hoc Expert Chiara Lucchini had the chance to dialogue and reflect about the project's development, trajectories, legacies and future perspectives. The interview was also a priceless occasion to reflect on the URBACT programme as an opportunity for cities in the EU to innovate and reframe their courses of action, as much as to explore new frontiers of governance, government and integrated development**. 

The EmPowerIngUs Transfer Journey: From Innovation to Local Ownership

How five cities translated the EPIU Good Practice into locally adapted pathways for tackling energy poverty

EmPowerIngUs final conference sessions

Getafe City Council, through its Municipal Housing Company EMSV, held the Final Event of the URBACT Innovation Transfer Network, EmPowerIngUs, on 1st of July. During the event, cities representatives, experts and a diversified audience had the opportunity to discuss Europe from a local perspective, discussing how European projects translate into real improvements for citizens, and how a just energy transition can be built from within cities, homes and by individuals. 

Energy independence, renovation, and healthy homes were at the center of the debate, exemplified throughout the experiences of the four European cities that have accompanied Getafe on this journey and which have successfully interpreted and adapted the ‘Getafe model’ to their own circumstances.

Organized around two session the EmPowerIngUs final conference engaged a large number of participants both in its on site and in its online sessions. Mixing multiple perspectives, the conference was an important opportunity to explore energy relted issues at different scales and level of governement.

Insights and advancements from quartely network journal #4

Beyond the energy bills, addressing energy poverty requires innovative solutions that combine social policies, data-driven decision-making, urban regeneration, and citizen engagement. 

EmPowerIngUs final Event_ Getafe 30th June/2nd July

Two weeks to go until the Final Event of #EmPowerIngUs takes place!

When Transfer Becomes Translation

How EmPowerIngUs proves that transferring a good practice is about interpretation, experimentation, and local choice — not replication.

When cities decide to transfer a good practice, the expectation is often simple: find what works elsewhere and replicate it. Yet anyone involved in urban policy knows that this rarely happens in a straightforward way. What looks like a clear model on paper quickly meets local realities shaped by institutions, data availability, professional cultures, political priorities, and – most importantly – people. Or, as I like to say from personal experience: “Life happens!”