Until 14 October, European cities will be able to build cableways and submit projects for sustainable urban development funded at 80%
Each sustainable urban development project can receive a maximum of 5 million
The European Commission has opened a third tender of EUR 90 million under the European Urban Initiative (EUI) to strengthen sustainable urban development in the 27 countries. The selected projects will test innovative solutions to support green and digital transitions. The deadline is 14 October: interested local authorities can find out on the dedicated portal.
Projects up to EUR 5 million financed at 80%
Bidding has two priorities: energy transition and technology in urban centers. The projects will be co-financed at 80% by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for up to 5 million each. Local authorities and project partners will cover 20% of the costs. Competitors must focus on affordability, security and sustainability in local energy systems. Still, they will also be able to explore emerging technologies to improve public services, governance, citizen involvement, safety and accessibility in urban centers.
The third season of the European Urban Initiative
According to the Commission, the European Urban Initiative “is a key tool of cohesion policy for the programming period 2021-2027, to strengthen sustainable urban development throughout the EU.” The objective is to ensure economic, social, and territorial cohesion in the 27 countries as a contribution to the cohesive policy pursued by the bloc.
Cohesion Commissioner Elisa Ferreira said: “Cities act as centres of innovation and play a key role in promoting green and digital transitions in the field. With this call for proposals, we allow cities to explore the potential of emerging technologies in the energy sector and beyond, paving the way to a climate-zero Europe.”
Until 2027, the instrument will use EUR 24 billion from the ERDF to support cities in implementing sustainable development strategies. The projects should be transferable and replicable in other European cities. Two bids have already been issued: one in October 2022 to support the New European Bauhaus and one in May 2023 focused on projects to make cities greener, sustainable tourism, and places in depopulation.
