Espoo was selected as the lead partner for an URBACT network
On 31 May 2023, Espoo became the first Finnish city to be selected as a lead partner of an EU-funded cooperation programme. The new URBACT network, which will be launched in the autumn, will develop the strategic governance of European cities based on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Last spring, Espoo applied to join the Cities for Sustainability Governance (CSG) network under the URBACT programme. A total of 52 applications were submitted, involving 482 partners from 30 countries.
“In late May, we found out that Espoo was selected as the lead partner. Our application scored maximum points and was ranked in first place,” says Project Manager Ville Taajamaa.
Espoo is the first Finnish city to be selected as a lead partner of a network. Espoo will lead a network that focuses on promoting strategic and comprehensive sustainability in cities based on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. In addition to Espoo, the network partners include other EU climate mission cities and the current and next European Green Capital. The other eight cities in the network are Agios Dimitrios (Athens, Greece), Braga (Portugal), Gabrovo (Bulgaria), Jablonec nad Nisou (Czech Republic), Košice (Slovakia), Mannheim (Germany), Tallinn (Estonia) and Valencia (Spain).
“In Espoo, we have worked to promote sustainability together with our partners over a long period of time. As the lead partner of the CSG network, our strategic expertise will become part of the joint development work in European cities. At the same time, we will also learn from other cities. The work that is about to start will highlight the importance of European cities in achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The green transition takes place in cities and offers us opportunities to strengthen Espoo’s competitiveness and sustainable growth,” says Mayor Jukka Mäkelä.
URBACT IV (2021–2027) is an EU-funded programme for interregional cooperation. It supports networking and exchange of experiences between European cities. The key aim of the programme is to promote integrated and sustainable urban development around different themes.
A total of EUR 850,000 of EU funding has been allocated to the CSG network.
Enquiries
Ville Taajamaa, Project Manager, ville.taajamaa@espoo.fi, tel. +358 40 5083806
URBACT.eu Approved networks 2023(external link, opens in a new window)