OECD and European Commission Boosting Social Enterprises Development

Eurobarometer shows optimism in the EU is on the rise

The latest Eurobarometer published on 2 August shows that Europeans are more positive about the future of the EU and their trust in the EU is on the rise.

Save the date: Brokerage event Horizon 2020 Smart Cities & Communities call 2018

This brokerage event will offer an opportunity for city representatives to develop consortia and project ideas to respond to the Horizon 2020 Smart Cities and Communities 2018 call for proposals for lighthouse projects.

Save the date: EIP-SCC general Assembly - 12 October 2017

The purpose of the General Assembly is to pave the way to an EU Investment Plan, joining public and private investors' efforts to deploy SCC-related solutions throughout EU cities and to stimulate EU utilities, manufacturers and implementors.

URBACT’s Good Practices unveiled: 'Inspiring solutions for better cities'

Looking for ideas on how to improve a city’s air quality, support local jobs, or involve citizens in accommodating refugees? Scores of tried-and-tested city solutions have been published online by URBACT, the EU learning and exchange programme for integrated, sustainable urban development.

PROSPECT - Peer-powered cities and regions has been launched!

The PROSPECT project had its kick off meeting on 5-6 of July in Brussels. A three year project bringing together 10 partners from across Europe, PROSPECT will develop a peer-to-peer learning programme, which will allow more than 180 local authorities, collaborating with their local energy agencies, to discuss and learn from each other on how to better finance the development of energy and climate project for buildings, mobility and lighting and more!

PROSPECT - Peer-powered cities and regions has been launched!

The PROSPECT project had its kick off meeting on 5-6 of July in Brussels. A three year project bringing together 10 partners from across Europe, PROSPECT will develop a peer-to-peer learning programme, which will allow more than 180 local authorities, collaborating with their local energy agencies, to discuss and learn from each other on how to better finance the development of energy and climate project for buildings, mobility and lighting and more!

A new call for eafip Assistance is now open!

The European Assistance for Innovation procurement (EAFIP) is supporting 12 public procurers from across the EU to develop their innovation procurement (a PCP or PPI) by providing assistance (including legal assistance) in the start-up and implementation of the innovation procurement. The new call for applications is open until 15th September 2017.

Going global through culture: Check the findings from our study visit in Barcelona and Terrassa!

A group of 30 specialists attended a study visit hosted by Barcelona and Terrassa in June.

Ensuring investments in social housing for all

In response to a parliamentary question from MEP Agnes Jongerius (S&D, NL) regarding the revision of state aid rules for services of general economic interest (‘SGEI’), Commissioner Margrethe Vestager affirmed that state aid can only be granted if social housing responds to "a public need: the provision of accommodation to disadvantaged citizens or socially less advantaged groups who due to solvency constraints are unable to obtain housing at market conditions".