URBACT e-University: funding at your fingertips!

More than 400 people from over 200 EU cities are meeting online at the URBACT e-University, on 1-3 February 2022, to optimise the funding and implementation of their Integrated Action Plans.

This e-University is part of URBACT’s diverse capacity-building activities that, since 2011, have built up the programme’s reputation for strengthening the skills and capacities of EU city representatives in the action-planning, implementation and financing of local plans and strategies.

Tailored to the needs of cities, a range of tools, guidance and trainings like this e-University are a permanent offer of the URBACT programme to its beneficiaries – and an extra reason for towns and cities of all sizes to join URBACT networks. In addition, diverse tools and guidance are freely available in the URBACT Toolbox, set up in 2020 for all interested in sustainable, integrated urban development.

What’s in the URBACT e-University programme?

The main programme taking place in the mornings is in different formats:

To start with, URBACT experts give insights and present tools on a range of topics, from how to finalise action plans, to developing funding strategies and drafting high-quality applications. Then, participants test tools in working groups, and further use them with local stakeholders once the e-University is over.

In the afternoons, participants are free to meet representatives of: the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy; the European Investment Bank; Horizon Europe – the EU's main funding programme for research and innovation; INTERREG programmes; and the URBACT Secretariat. This intends to reveal upcoming funding opportunities, alternative sources of funding, and a closer look into the topics presented in the mornings. Sessions in national languages are also organised by National URBACT Points who touch upon national funds and share successful examples of funding and implementation of actions.

Who can join?

This e-University is dedicated to beneficiary cities involved in the 23 ongoing URBACT Action Planning Networks. A timely activity for these cities that are about to finalise their Integrated Action Plans.

For those not participating in the e-University, videos and tools will soon be available in the URBACT Toolbox!

What’s next?

Whether you participate or not in the e-University, pack your bags for what is going to be a unique in-person experience for city representatives: the URBACT City Festival on 14-16 June 2022 in Pantin/Greater Paris, URBACT’s first carbon-neutral event, organised under the French presidency of the Council of the European Union.

With an overarching theme on climate action, the URBACT City Festival will showcase practices from cities involved in Action Planning Networks on environment, gender equality, and digital transition. It will also launch the URBACT IV programme and present its new features and a preview of the next call for networks. Finally, as a follow-up to the e-University, the Festival will facilitate connections between participants and different EU organisations and programmes – including relevant funding bodies.

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