The European Urban Initiative is an initiative that promotes innovation and the funding of actions in European cities.
In this third call for proposals , projects will be funded to promote experimentation and implementation of innovative urban solutions that can be transferred and scaled up at European level.
The deadline for the submission of innovative projects on energy transition and technologies in cities is between:
- Start date: 6 May 2024
- Deadline for submission of proposals: 14 October 2024
This new call invites European urban authorities to submit innovative projects addressing complex urban challenges.

Do you want more information or help to validate your proposal?
Singulargreen helps you in the management of the whole process, from the strategy, the creation of the consortium and all its management.
In SingularGreen we have specialised in innovation, design and implementation of SbN and we are collaborating with several city councils in drafting regenerative strategies and preparing several calls for proposals for renaturalisation of cities, river restoration, sustainable tourism in destination, innovation (like this one), mobility, research, etc. with a high success rate.
If you want us to tell you more about it, we can contact us.
Requirements for applying to this EUI-IA call for proposals
- The project proposal must be led by an urban authority, an association or grouping of urban authorities with more than 50,000 inhabitants and located in the European Union.
- The project must be relevant to one of the themes of the call,
- The project proposal will clearly contribute to the 6 specific objectives of the EU Cohesion Policy 2021-2027.
- Furthermore, it must contribute to the vision of sustainable urban development presented in the New Leipzig Charter.
- It must address environmental and climate challenges, in particular the transition to a climate-neutral economy by 2050, and harness the potential of digital technologies for innovation purposes.
- Of course, it must be relevant for the selected urban area and for the target groups that were clearly identified in the proposal.
- It must aim to implement locally an innovative solution, developing an idea that has never been tried before in the European Union.
- It must have the potential to be transferred/replicated (in whole or in part) by other cities in Europe.
- Furthermore, it must demonstrate a significant and lasting contribution to solving the specific challenges and above all be self-sustainable after the end of the project.
- The project proposal must be based on a strong, relevant and complementary consortium of Partners with the necessary experience and thematic expertise to carry out the planned activities.
- Commitment as Lead Urban Authority, and its Partnership of up to 3.5 years of project lifetime to deliver project activities for (up to) EUR 5 million, and with a strong knowledge transfer and capitalisation component.
- A logical sequence must be presented between initial needs, project activities, outputs, results and final impact. The different elements of the Work Plan (Work Packages, activities, deliverables, outputs, results and their indicators) must be sufficiently detailed, clearly structured, consistent and logically interrelated.
- The project proposal must comply with the EUI-IA budget and funding principles by applying for up to a maximum of 5 million EUR ERDF; co-financing of up to 80% of the eligible costs;
- In addition, it must ensure measurability of results, so the changes that are planned to be achieved in the local context as a result of the implementation of the project must be clear.
- The project proposal must be sufficiently prepared and mature enough to offer a successful innovative solution and all potential project risks must be clearly identified.
Example of outstanding European Urban Initiative projects
The European Urban Initiative has driven numerous innovative projects that have had a significant impact on sustainable urban development in various cities across Europe. These projects have addressed a wide range of urban challenges, from sustainable mobility to energy efficiency and social inclusion.
Success stories in sustainable urban development with the SingularGreen partnership
One of the 2 Spanish success stories of the first European EUI-IA call for proposals , the city of Lorca in Murcia has been awarded €4.77 million .

The project aims to revitalise the upper district of Lorca, at the foot of the castle, an area that is currently very degraded and where an urban innovation project will be carried out, including an urban park with the recovery of water tanks, the construction of new social housing and the rehabilitation of a public building through innovative Nature Based Solutions (NBS).
This project has focused on the transformation of degraded urban areas into green and sustainable spaces, thus improving the quality of life of residents and promoting urban biodiversity, but the key has been the research and replicable development of innovative green technology.
This project in which we participate was one of the 14 selected in the first call, if you want more information about it you can contact us.
More information about the call for proposals
This initiative, launched by the New European Bauhaus and funded by ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) aims to:
- Promote innovative actions in the urban field
- Improve the sustainable development of urban areas.
- Finance urban projects
- Provide additional resources.
It also stands out for its successful projects in sustainable urban development and its support to participating cities.
Participating in the European Urban Initiative means improving capacity and knowledge in urban development, as well as contributing to the European urban agenda.
Description of the European Urban Initiative
The European Urban Initiative is a European initiative that aims to promote innovation and sustainable development in European cities.
Through concrete actions and the implementation of innovative projects, this initiative aims to improve the quality of life of citizens and contribute to the economic and social growth of European urban areas.
Objectives of the initiative
The main objectives of the European Urban Initiative focus on fostering collaboration between European cities, encouraging the creation and development of innovative urban projects, and strengthening the capacity of cities to address current and future challenges.
These objectives focus on key issues such as sustainability, social inclusion, energy efficiency and urban mobility.
Innovative actions in European cities
The initiative promotes the implementation of innovative actions in the participating cities, providing support and advice for the implementation of pilot projects that address specific issues.
These actions aim to generate creative and sustainable solutions, promoting technological development, circular economy, efficient use of resources, and improving the quality of life of the inhabitants of European cities.
Funding and resources available in the European Urban Initiative
The European Urban Initiative offers a wide range of funding options for urban projects, providing financial support to participating cities.
These options are designed to foster innovation and sustainable development in urban areas, promoting creative and effective solutions.
Funding options for EUI-IA Urban Projects
- European Grants: The European Urban Initiative facilitates access to grants from European funds, which are allocated to projects that contribute to sustainable urban development. These grants are an excellent way to obtain funding for innovative initiatives in urban areas.
- Cooperation programmes: The initiative promotes participation in inter-city cooperation programmes, which provide funding for projects that seek to address common challenges and promote the exchange of knowledge and good practices between cities.
- Public-private partnerships: The European Urban Initiative encourages collaboration between public and private entities, fostering strategic alliances for the financing of urban projects. This collaboration allows combining financial resources and expertise to achieve stronger and more sustainable results.
Additional resources offered by the initiative
In addition to funding, the European Urban Initiative offers additional resources that can be of great use to cities participating in the initiative. These resources facilitate the implementation and management of innovative urban projects by providing guidance and technical support.
Expert advice
The Initiative has a team of experts in urban development and project financing, who provide expert advice to participating cities. These experts provide guidance in structuring projects, seeking public funding and coordinating activities, maximising the chances of success for cities.
Access to knowledge and best practices
The European Urban Initiative facilitates access to information resources, such as news, publications and expert opinions in the field of urban development. These resources allow participating cities to keep abreast of the latest trends, research and best practices in urban innovation and sustainability.
Projects with an impact on specific urban areas
The European Urban Initiative has also promoted projects with a specific focus on particular urban areas, addressing specific challenges and fostering local development. One such project is ‘Historic Renewal’, which has focused on the revitalisation of historic areas and the preservation of cultural heritage in European cities. Through rehabilitation and renovation initiatives of historic buildings, it has been possible to preserve the unique character of these areas and promote cultural tourism, thus generating a positive impact on the local economy.
In addition, the project ‘Digital Transformation in Small Cities’ has been implemented. This project has boosted digitalisation in smaller urban areas, promoting economic and social development through the adoption of digital technologies. Through the implementation of digital infrastructures and services, it has been possible to foster entrepreneurship, improve access to public services and increase the quality of life of the inhabitants of these cities.
These examples are just a sample of the outstanding projects that the European Urban Initiative has promoted in European cities. Thanks to the collaboration and support of this initiative, significant progress has been made in sustainable urban development, improving the quality of life of citizens and contributing to a more prosperous and sustainable future for Europe.
Benefits and opportunities for participating cities
Participation in the European Urban Initiative offers numerous benefits and opportunities for cities that choose to join the initiative. The following are two key aspects that stand out among the benefits that can be gained by participating cities.
Improved capacity and knowledge in urban development
The European Urban Initiative provides participating cities with the opportunity to improve their capacity and knowledge in the field of urban development. Through training resources, workshops and specialised seminars, the exchange of best practices and the acquisition of new skills in areas such as urban planning, sustainable mobility, energy efficiency and natural resource management are promoted.
In addition, participation in joint projects and collaboration with other European cities enables continuous learning and the development of innovative solutions to today’s urban challenges. Participating cities can access knowledge and experience shared by experts in the field, enabling them to advance their own urban development strategies.
Support and advice offered by EUI-IA
The European Urban Initiative provides valuable support and advice to participating cities. Through its network of experts and consultants, the initiative provides technical and strategic guidance for the implementation of high-quality urban projects. These tailor-made advisory services help cities maximise their chances of success and overcome potential obstacles in the implementation of their projects.
In addition, the European Urban Initiative facilitates the connection between participating cities and other relevant stakeholders, such as financial institutions, businesses and research organisations. This favours the creation of key synergies and collaborations for the viability and sustainability of urban projects, as well as access to additional funding and visibility opportunities at European level.
How to participate in the European Urban Initiative
In order to participate in EUI-IA, the European Urban Initiative, it is necessary to meet certain requirements and eligibility criteria established by the initiative. These aspects are discussed in detail before any proposal for participation is accepted.
Requirements and eligibility criteria
The requirements and eligibility criteria vary according to the type of project and the thematic areas addressed. Some of the most common aspects considered during the evaluation process include:
- Capacity and experience in urban development: It is essential to have a team specialised in urban issues, with previous experience in implementing related projects.
- Scope and relevance of the proposed project: The proposal must be relevant to the objectives of the initiative and have the potential to have an impact on sustainable urban development.
- Technical and financial feasibility: The technical and economic feasibility of the project will be assessed, as well as the availability of resources necessary for its implementation.
Proposal submission process
Once the requirements and eligibility criteria are met, the submission of proposals can proceed.
The process generally follows the following steps:
- Registration and application for participation: Interested parties must register on the European Urban Initiative platform and complete the relevant application form.
- Proposal development and submission: A detailed proposal must be developed describing the project, its objectives, methodology, budget and expected results. This proposal is submitted through the platform indicated by the initiative.
- Evaluation and selection: The proposals received are evaluated by experts in urban development and sustainability. Those that best meet the objectives and criteria established by the European Urban Initiative are selected.
- Notification and start of the project: Once the evaluation process is completed, the selected participants are notified and the necessary agreements are made to start the project.
Participating in the European Urban Initiative offers unique opportunities for collaboration and development within the urban environment in Europe. If you meet the requirements and have an innovative project related to the sustainable development of cities, do not hesitate to submit your proposal and be part of this pioneering initiative.
Results and impact of the European Urban Initiative EUI-IA
The European Urban Initiative has achieved significant results so far, contributing to sustainable development and innovation in the participating cities. The following is an assessment of the results achieved and the contribution of the initiative to the European Urban Agenda.
Assessment of the results achieved so far
The results achieved by the EUI-IA through the European Urban Initiative have been positive and have generated a significant impact at the European urban level. Some of the most notable achievements include:
- Successful implementation of sustainable urban development projects in different European cities, improving the quality of life of citizens and promoting environmental sustainability.
- Generation of employment and economic growth in the participating cities, through the implementation of innovative projects and the attraction of investments.
- Improving the energy efficiency of buildings and urban mobility, thus reducing the carbon footprint and contributing to the fight against climate change.
- Promotion of citizen participation in decision-making related to urban development, fostering inclusion and social cohesion.
These results demonstrate the positive impact of the European Urban Initiative on the transformation of European cities towards more sustainable, innovative and liveable environments.
Contribution to the European Urban Agenda
The European Urban Initiative plays an important role in the European Urban Agenda, aligning itself with the objectives and priorities set at European level. Among the Initiative’s outstanding contributions are:
- Promoting territorial and social cohesion in European cities, through projects that address common challenges and foster city-to-city collaboration.
- Boosting urban sustainability by implementing innovative solutions in areas such as mobility, waste management and energy consumption.
- Supporting local economic development by creating jobs and attracting investment in key sectors for sustainable urban development, such as green technology and the circular economy.
- Active participation in European programmes and networks related to urban development, enabling the exchange of knowledge and best practices between cities across Europe.
With its focus on innovation and financing of urban projects, the European Urban Initiative is positioned as a key player in Europe’s urban transformation, actively contributing to the achievement of the objectives of the European Urban Agenda.
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