European Commission launches Cohesion Policy call for funding to support urban innovation across the EU

The European Commission has launched its third round of funding under the European Urban Initiative (EUI), with €90 million available for proposals seeking to test innovative solutions in cities to help deliver on the green and digital transitions.

Successful proposals will receive funding through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), which will co-finance 80% of project costs up to a maximum amount of €5 million, with the remaining 20% sourced from local authorities and project partners. Part of this funding is set aside to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and adaptation of these tested solutions to other EU cities to maximise wider societal and economic impact of local projects across Europe.

Prospective projects must focus on helping to deliver innovative solutions to either: 

1. the energy transition, to ensure affordable, secure, and cleaner local energy systems; or 
2. technology in cities, to deliver better public services, urban governance, quality of life, citizens’ engagement, and safer, more secure and accessible cities for all.

The EUI is a key pillar of the Cohesion Policy for the current programme period between 2021-2027, aiming to reinforce and strengthen urban development across the EU. The initiative allows cities to test innovative solutions to tackling unique urban challenges which are transferable to other EU cities, within the themes and calls defined by the Commission.

Prospective applicants can find further details and apply on the EUI webpage. The deadline to submit proposals is 14 October 2024.