This session explored how European cities and EU-level initiatives are advancing urban sustainability through integrated and cross-sectoral strategies. Representatives from Benidorm, Barcelona, the European Urban Initiative, and NetZeroCities discussed how combining governance innovation, citizen participation, and technological solutions can accelerate the transition towards climate-neutral cities.
Key themes included the integration of spatial planning with climate and mobility policies, the role of stakeholder engagement, and the use of digital tools such as digital twins and IoT sensor networks to inform decision-making and track impact.
- Barcelona shared its hands-on approach to sustainability through four cross-cutting urban plans—housing, climate, and neighbourhoods—supported by strong citizen participation involving over 2,000 organisations in climate assemblies and participatory budgeting.
- Benidorm presented its experience as a sustainable tourism leader, recognised under EU programmes and networks that encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing among cities.
- The European Urban Initiative (EUI) outlined its ongoing support for cities through innovation funding, capacity building, and peer learning, emphasising that integrated approaches must connect sectors and engage multiple stakeholders strategically.
- NetZeroCities underlined the need to bridge the gap between city strategies and available finance, introducing the Climate City Capital Hub as a way to connect climate action planning with investment and scalability.
The session also highlighted the importance of replication, local experimentation, and policy learning across Europe. A forthcoming EUI call for innovative actions (expected early next year) will provide simplified funding of up to €2 million per city to test new integrated urban solutions.
Aligned with EU missions such as the European Urban Initiative, the EU Mission for Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities, and the Smart Cities Marketplace, the discussion reinforced that achieving sustainability requires coordination across policy areas, governance levels, and communities.
Partners:
- European Urban Initiative
- NetZeroCities
- City of Barcelona
- City of Benidorm
Session speakers:
- Ms Laura Garcia Castellano, Head of Sustainability Communications, City of Benidorm
- Ms Anamaria Vrabie , Expert European Urban Initiative
- Mr Ramon Canal Oliveras, Coordinator, Climate Plan for the City of Barcelona
- Mr Thomas Osdoba, Programme Director, NetZeroCities
- Mr Tommaso Buso, Associate BwB