News & Events

Whilst reading this article, you may, like us, be working from home following the extraordinary measures that are needing to be put in place in the current situation. The COVID-19 pandemic crisis shows us once again how societal challenges are both global and local. Leading the fight to limit the spread and the impacts of the virus, cities are again in the frontline.

The new circular economy action plan put the cities at the core of EU’s intentions. UIA projects tackle the challenge of circular waste with innovative solutions.

Throughout 2020, UIA will run two thematic knowledge activities on housing and mobility. Explore the UIA Knowledge Lab to get the first insights.

The call for the selection of the UIA Experts to support the Call 4 projects has now been reopened for 5 projects - the new deadline to apply is 5th April 2020.

First lessons from Urban Innovative Actions projects

The EU Cities Forum 2020, held in Porto, provided the perfect time and location to launch a new URBACT and UIA (Urban Innovative Actions) joint initiative on implementing the right to housing across urban areas in Europe.

A week after the Cities Forum 2020, it is time for UIA to look back at this two-day major event bringing together key European, national and local stakeholders of urban development. After two intense days of discussions and exchanges we come back home with two clear messages. The community of UIA cities is focused on testing solutions locally but also highly committed to inspiring other cities in Europe through their experiences and knowledge. Their understanding of what works or does not work on the ground will be key elements to help shape the future European Urban Initiative for 2021/2027.

Apply before 29 February 2020 to be an UIA Expert for UIA TMaaS project funded in the framework of the 2nd call for proposals under the Urban Mobility topic.

On December 12, 2019, 222 applications were successfully submitted to the UIA initiative. This article provides a preview of 5th Call statistics and an insight into which Member States are the most represented, the most popular topics, the type and size of urban authorities and delivery partners involved, and the size of partnerships.

Circular Economy is at the centre of many UIA projects. At the moment, UIA funds eight projects within the topic of Circular Economy under Call 2. Out of these projects, four are addressing the construction sector, which is recognised as one of the biggest contributors to climate change, waste production and primary recourses consumption. In order to share valuable experiences and lessons learned from these four circular construction projects, UIA organised a workshop during the European Week of Regions and Cities in Brussels.