Networks and cities' news

Unlocking Public Spaces for Youth Engagement: A Holistic Approach to Health and Nutrition

Public spaces are more than recreational areas; they hold the potential to become dynamic hubs for promoting physical activity, healthy eating, and social interaction among young people aged 10-18. Yet, in many cities, these vital spaces remain underused or inaccessible to youth, either by design or neglect. The Re-GEN URBACT Action planning network has taken up the challenge to redesign public spaces in such a way that they become vital arenas where the youngsters can gather, express themselves and connect with their communities.

In the context of increasing health concerns[1], innovative strategies that merge outdoor activities and nutrition education can foster lifelong healthy habits. Drawing on successful examples from across Europe and also outside of Europe, this article explores how local governments and communities can effectively transform public spaces into vibrant centers for youth engagement.
 

Unlocking the potential of remote work: insights from the Remote-IT network

The global workforce is undergoing a profound transformation, with remote work and digital nomadism reshaping economies, urban planning, and governance. For cities, this shift presents both opportunities and challenges: How can urban areas attract and retain skilled remote workers? How can public administrations integrate remote and hybrid work models while maintaining efficiency?

The Remote-IT Network, composed of eight European cities—Dubrovnik, Brindisi, Tartu, Murcia, Heraklion, Bucharest District 6, Câmara de Lobos, and Tirana—explores strategies to make cities more adaptable to remote work. Through transnational meetings, testing action initiatives, and discussions in forums and podcasts, the network has identified key insights and recommendations for cities aiming to become leaders in the future of work.

Riga (LT), 16th January 2025 - 2nite Bilateral Visit

Bilateral Visit: a new collaboration between Riga and Turin

URBACT – Landesgartenschau Löbau 2012

When we decided to apply for the Greenplace project, we already knew what we wanted to share with the other project participants – our experience from the 2012 Saxon State Horticultural Exhibition (6. Sächsische Landesgartenschau Löbau 2012). For this exhibition, a 20-hectare industrial wasteland in Löbau was completely transformed. The site had previously housed several textile factories and various buildings of the Löbau sugar factory. Following the decline of these industries, the sugar factory—the last operating facility in this area near the city center—closed in 2002.

How Did Biodiversity Become a Core Organising Principle of Urban Development in Guimarães, Europe’s Green Capital 2026?

Urban biodiversity is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of sustainable city development. As cities continue to expand, the preservation and integration of biodiversity within urban landscapes become increasingly important, both for ecological balance and the well-being of residents. Guimarães, a city in northern Portugal, has emerged as a model for biodiversity-driven urban planning, integrating nature-based solutions into its governance framework.

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.