Networks and cities' news

Catch up on the latest updates from cities working together in URBACT Networks. The articles and news that are showcased below are published directly by URBACT’s beneficiaries and do not necessarily reflect the programme’s position.

Want to learn more about the projects that are featured here? Discover the URBACT Networks.

 

 

  • GenProcure_Zagreb interview

    URBACT GenProcure promotes equality in public procurement and society

    On the eve of International Women's Day, we spoke with Matea Brajko, the leader of the URBACT project GenProcure for the City of Zagreb. Matea revealed to us the benefits of applying gender equality principles in public procurement, as well as specific findings, results, and future plans for the implementation of the URBACT network GenProcure.

    Edgar Azevedo

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  • The Re-Gen Civic Hackathon in Albacete

    Albacete Successfully Hosted The Re-Gen Civic Hackathon 2025

    On Saturday, 5 April 2025, the Re-Gen Civic Hackathon was held at the Albacete Youth Centre (Spain). The event was part of the European Re-Gen initiative, organised by CEEI Albacete in collaboration with Emilia Parra from Vértice Cultural, Laura Gómez Serrano, youth officer at the Albacete Youth Centre, and Carmen Gómez, also from the Youth Centre. The aim was to involve young people aged between 16 and 22 in the creation of innovative projects to regenerate underused urban spaces through social and sporting activities designed for teenagers aged between 10 and 18.

    Desiree Zucchi

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  • Quality of Life in shrinking cities, part two - Measuring and Monitoring

    This article is based on the workshop “Quality of Life: what is it and how to promote and measure it” delivered by URBACT Expert José Costero for the URBACT network Residents of the Future in Alba Iulia (Romania) on 25 March 2025. The session gathered about 25 participants from the nine cities involved in the network, fostering discussions on how to integrate quality of life principles into urban planning and policymaking.

    josecostero

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  • Guimarães Spring Festival 2025 fills the Penha Mountain with nature, joy and over 2,000 visitors

    After being postponed for a week due to rain, the Guimarães Spring Festival 2025 took place on the 29th and 30th of March on the Penha Mountain, a vital ecological asset in Guimarães, featuring 10 conservation-worthy habitats and hosting over 320 vascular plant species and 120 terrestrial vertebrate species. As part of the city's biocultural corridor, the Penha Mountain connects natural and urban areas via the Biodiversity Route, enhancing ecological connectivity and supporting both wildlife and community well-being.

    András Merza

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  • Cieza celebrates its first BiodiverCity Festival: A week of nature, creativity and community

    From 17 to 24 March 2025, Cieza celebrated the first edition of the BiodiverCity Festival, a vibrant and participatory event organized by the Department of the Environment, in collaboration with Aguas de Cieza, within the framework of the URBACT BiodiverCity project. The festival brought together more than 250 people through a wide range of inclusive, intergenerational activities designed to strengthen the connection between citizens and urban nature.

    András Merza

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  • Quality of Life in Shrinking Cities. Part one - Challenges.

    Quality of life is a broad concept that encompasses various dimensions influencing people's well-being in a given place. It goes beyond economic prosperity, including access to public services, environmental quality, cultural life, safety, and social cohesion. However, the meaning of quality of life varies depending on individual preferences, cultural background, and socio-economic context. What may be essential for one person, such as a vibrant nightlife, might not be as relevant to someone else, who might prioritise affordable housing and green spaces. 

    josecostero

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