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.

 

 

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    Six takeaways from the 2nd Hydro-Heritage Cities meeting in Roeselare

    The Hydro-Heritage Cities meeting in Roeselare (Belgium) was dedicated to “Community Driven Engagement & Regeneration”. Here are our main intakes.

    Christos Giovanopoulos

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  • The Great Bačka Canal as a "Bleu-Green Trail" of Sombor City

    Dragana Siljanovic Kozoderovic, explains why and how the hydro-heritage of Great Bačka Canal, can lead to a sustainable urban development in Sombor (Serbia). 

    Christos Giovanopoulos

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  • Dunaújváros organised the biodiversity festival

    On Sunday, Dunaújváros celebrated nature with a vibrant Biodiversity Festival, organised as part of the URBACT BiodiverCity project. Held on the picturesque Szalki Island, the event placed a special focus on younger generations and aimed to bring the natural environment closer to the community through engaging and educational experiences.

    More info in hungarian: https://dunaujvaros.com/hirek/202505/oko_napot_is_rendeznek_a_szalki_szigeten

    András Merza

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  • AI Assistants

    Härnösand’s AI Assistants: Enhancing Everyday Public Services Through Innovation

    As part of the EU-funded Metacity project, the municipality of Härnösand has developed innovative AI assistants designed to streamline municipal services, save time, and improve user experience for both employees and residents. From rapid-response IT support and digital advisors to assistants guiding home care services in real time, these tools demonstrate the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in the public sector.

    Between 2023 and 2025, Härnösand is collaborating with nine other countries to co-develop an action plan on the application of virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) in local government services. As part of this initiative, the municipality has piloted several AI-based staff assistants, aiming to increase efficiency and enhance service delivery.

     

    Michaela.Gil

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  • webinar

    Beyond STEAM Education: Highlights from the First Future STEAM Cities Webinar

    On May 6, 2025, the Municipality of Aveiro and the Lead Expert Monica Nagore hosted the Future STEAM Cities webinar, drawing 36 participants from across Europe. The session, titled “Beyond STEAM Education: Can We Imagine the Future of STEAM Education?”, created a vibrant space for cross-sector dialogue among educators, policymakers, academics, and innovators.

    Joana Resende

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  • Breaking Isolation: A Baseline Study on Social Isolation in Europe

    As part of the URBACT "Breaking Isolation" project, a baseline study was conducted to provide an overview of the state of social isolation within the partner cities of the network. This essential work, carried out at the start of the project, aims to better understand local realities and the specific challenges related to social isolation across different urban contexts in Europe. 

    Barbara Gautherie

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