Handbook on Cross-Border Energy Communities: A Framework for Collaborative Energy Transition

The "Social Innovation for Active and Healthy Ageing" initiative, led by the King Baudouin Foundation in partnership with European institutions, aimed to promote and support innovative approaches to ageing. It sought to identify, evaluate, and disseminate case studies that address challenges related to ageing, health, and social inclusion. Through a European-wide award, the initiative recognised socially innovative solutions that improve the quality of life for older people while fostering intergenerational collaboration. The project highlighted successful models in policy, business, and community-led initiatives, encouraging their replication and adaptation across different contexts.

Revitalising Cities: Sustainable Urban Regeneration for a Resilient Future

Urban regeneration revitalises underused urban areas to improve economic, social, and environmental conditions. Key strategies include densification, community engagement, and integrating green infrastructure. The European Commission’s New European Bauhaus initiative supports sustainable, inclusive development. While offering many benefits, urban regeneration faces challenges like financial constraints and gentrification, requiring adaptive, collaborative approaches to ensure equitable outcomes. 

Parisculteurs: Transforming urban spaces into thriving green agriculture

Parisculteurs is a pioneering initiative launched in 2016 to integrate urban agriculture into Paris’s cityscape. By repurposing rooftops, walls, and vacant spaces, the programme has expanded green areas, enhanced biodiversity, and strengthened community engagement. Through policy reforms and public participation, Parisculteurs addresses regulatory and spatial challenges, setting a best practice example for sustainable urban development.

Cooperative Housing: A Community-Led Solution to Urban Challenges

Cooperative housing presents a sustainable, community-driven alternative to traditional housing markets, tackling affordability, social cohesion, and sustainability challenges. By shifting ownership from private investors to residents, cooperatives remove profit motives, ensuring long-term accessibility. Democratic governance and integrated urban planning further enhance the model’s success, fostering resilient and inclusive communities. As cities worldwide face rising housing costs and gentrification, cooperative housing offers a viable, people-centred solution that prioritises social equity over speculation.

Save the date for the 2025 Cities Forum!

Watch out for this event happening on the 17-19 June! The 2025 Cities Forum will take place in Krakow, Poland. Register and take the opportunity to meet stakeholders active in innovative and sustainable urban development from all over the EU.