To further reinforce and strengthen sustainable urban development in EU cities, the Commission today is launching a third call for proposals worth €90 million under the European Urban Initiative (EUI). Projects selected under this call will test innovative solutions in cities to help them to deliver on the green and digital transitions. Projects must focus on one of the following two priorities:

• Energy transition: to experiment with and explore tangible innovative solutions that would ensure affordable, secure, and cleaner local energy systems.
• Technology in cities: to explore emerging technologies and digital solutions to improve public services, urban governance, quality of life, citizens’ engagement, and ensure that our cities are safer, more secure, and accessible to all.

The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) will co-finance 80% of project costs, with each project receiving up to €5 million. Part of this funding will support the transfer of knowledge and adaptation of these tested solutions to other EU cities to ensure that local projects have a wider societal and economic impact in Europe. The remaining 20% will be covered by local authorities and project partners. Interested representatives from EU cities are invited to consult the EUI webpage for details on the application process. The deadline to submit proposals is 14 October 2024. Useful link: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/el/IP_24_2389