URBACT Call for Action Networks: Implementing Urban Change in Cities

The URBACT IV programme enables European cities to collaborate through Action Networks, sharing knowledge and innovative practices to strengthen sustainable urban development and improve local policies. It promotes participatory, integrated strategies that enhance policy effectiveness and foster institutional capacity.

What is URBACT IV?

URBACT IV is part of the European Territorial Cooperation framework (2021–2027) and is funded through the European Regional Development Fund, IPA, and NDICI. The programme supports cities in exchanging experiences, developing practical solutions to urban challenges, and improving cohesion policy implementation. Key objectives include:

• Knowledge sharing and transfer of innovative urban practices
• Promoting integrated and sustainable urban development
• Strengthening institutional capacity for territorial strategies
• Supporting participative, place-based policy design
• Making urban knowledge accessible to policymakers and practitioners

Action Networks and Local Actions

• Cities participate through Action Networks, focusing on concrete urban actions aligned with existing strategies or policies
• Networks aim to generate tangible, transferable results within the project duration
• Cities co-create solutions, implement and test them, and produce lessons that can be scaled up
• URBACT Local Groups engage local stakeholders to co-design actions via structured activities such as Action Labs
• Transnational collaboration allows cities to address common challenges, compare approaches, and refine strategies

Who Can Participate?

• Cities from EU Member States, partner states (Norway, Switzerland), IPA countries, and NDICI countries (e.g., Ukraine, Moldova)
• Partnerships must include 6–8 partners, following rules on partner composition, representation, and limits on non-city entities
• Networks appoint a Lead Expert and at least two Ad-Hoc Experts to guide implementation

Funding and Support

• Each network has a dedicated expertise budget of EUR 127,500 to support expert involvement throughout the project
• Funding supports knowledge transfer, structured learning, and implementation of urban actions

How to Apply

1. Form a partnership of 6–8 eligible cities and partners
2. Develop a proposal in English, including all required documentation and strategic alignment with URBACT objectives
3. Demonstrate capacity for participatory, integrated urban development and expected outcomes
4. Submit proposals in compliance with programme rules and partnership requirements

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete applications or missing required documentation
• Failing to meet partnership composition and eligibility rules
• Overlooking integration with existing local strategies or frameworks
• Ignoring the participatory or transnational collaboration requirements
• Underestimating the role of experts and structured learning activities

Why URBACT IV Matters

URBACT IV enables cities to collaboratively address urban challenges through peer learning, participatory planning, and actionable strategies. By fostering transnational cooperation and knowledge exchange, the programme enhances the effectiveness of urban policies and contributes to sustainable, inclusive urban development across Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can participate? Cities from EU Member States, partner states (Norway, Switzerland), IPA countries, and NDICI countries like Ukraine and Moldova.
2. What is the purpose of Action Networks? To implement concrete urban actions, co-create solutions, and generate transferable knowledge.
3. How many partners are required? 6–8 partners per network.
4. What funding is available? Networks receive an expertise budget of EUR 127,500 to support expert involvement.
5. What is the role of URBACT Local Groups? To engage local stakeholders in co-designing and implementing actions through structured activities.
6. Are proposals accepted in languages other than English? No, proposals must be submitted in English.
7. What ensures project success? Strategic alignment, participatory design, expert guidance, and adherence to programme rules.

Conclusion

URBACT IV provides cities with a structured platform to exchange knowledge, implement innovative urban actions, and strengthen local policies. By leveraging transnational collaboration and participatory processes, the programme fosters sustainable, inclusive, and scalable urban development across Europe.