Working Group Leaders
Representatives of Brussels-based offices leading the work of the Smart Cities Working Group.
Smart Cities
The objective of the Working Group is to act as a platform to offer early information on priorities and funding opportunities linked to Smart Cities, with a focus on the EU Mission on 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030. The WG aims to facilitate sharing of experiences and support matchmaking to develop new partnerships and projects. The WG targets the smart city topic from an integrated and holistic approach, addressing issues such as citizen engagement, data-driven policy and smart governance models, while exploring synergies between the areas linked to smart cities as addressed by the ERRIN WGs on Energy and Climate Change, Transport and ICT.
ERRIN Contact
Mission on 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030
The Smart Cities WG has taken an active role in shaping the Mission on 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030 - one of the five mission areas under Horizon Europe - and is closely following the implementation of the mission. Visit our dedicated Cities Mission page to learn more about our work on this.
Previous Related ERRIN Working Group Meetings
Transport WG meeting: AI in Transport, implementing the European AI Strategy
On 19 November (15:00–16:00), the Transport Working Group will organise a meeting dedicated to AI in Transport, implementing the European AI Strategy, with a welcome coffee starting at 14:30.
Low Carbon Cluster and Policy WG meeting: Exploring the future European Competitiveness Fund
On 4 November (14:30 – 16:30), the three Working Groups under the Low Carbon Cluster (Energy and Climate Change WG, Transport WG, Smart Cities WG) and the Policy WG will co-organise a meeting
Smart Cities WG Meeting: How to keep up the momentum as a Mission city?
The Smart Cities Working Group is organising an event on the Cities Mission label, on Wednesday 22 October at 14:00 at ERRIN’s premises. Cases studies from Mission cities will be presented. Moreover
WG Related Events
European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) 2026
Between 9 and 11 June, the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) is organising the 20th edition of the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW), the EU’s flagship event for clean energy and renewable solutions. EUSEW 2026 will be held under the overarching theme 'A clean, secure and competitive Energy Union'.
Nordic Edge Expo
Save the date! Nordic Edge Expo is the Nordic cross-sectoral meeting place for smart and sustainable societies, connecting leaders, entrepreneurs, decision-makers and capital to create new partnerships and actions. The event will take place 4–6 May 2026 in Stavanger.
ERRIN Intro Coffee
The ERRIN Secretariat is pleased to invite you to the upcoming ERRIN Intro Coffee, which will take place in person on 13 March from 10:00-11:30. The event will offer a concise introduction to ERRIN and its services, alongside a chance for networking. New network members and staff are particularly encouraged to join!
Smart Cities WG meeting - EU Agenda for Cities in practice: next steps and funding opportunities for innovative actions
On 18 February (14:00 – 16:00) the Smart Cities Working supported by the Energy and Climate Change WG will organise a meeting on the EU Agenda for Cities and the European Urban Initiative Call 2026. This session has an informative purpose, with presentations by representatives from DG REGIO and the European Urban Initiative Secretariat, but will also allow for a discussion on the implications of the Agenda in the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework with a Member of the European Parliament.
Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue: CCRI Policy recommendations in view of the Circular Economy Act
On 12 February 2026, the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI), is organising an hybrid multi-stakeholder dialogue in view of collecting inputs for the Circular Economy Act which is expected to be published in the third quarter of 2026. During this dialogue, cities and regions will have the unique opportunity to provide their feedback on the policy recommendations the CCRI is proposing for supporting the circular transition locally. The dialogue will focus particularly on circular public procurement, EPR schemes, the revision of End-of-Waste criteria, product-specific recycled content…
Info session - Navigating ERRIN's Project Development Tool
On Friday 6 February at 11:00, ERRIN is organising an online info session for its members and regional stakeholders on the effective use of the ERRIN Project Development Tool (PDT). With the 2026 Horizon Europe calls already available on the PDT, this is a particularly timely opportunity to familiarise yourself with the tool and strengthen your project development activities. The session will also play an important role in preparing participants for upcoming project development sessions organised by ERRIN.
WG Documents
Shaping the future EU Agenda for Cities – ERRIN’s key messages
As Europe advances its Green Deal and sets its sights on competitiveness and the next Multiannual Financial Framework, cities, urban areas and metropolitan regions must be at the heart of the transformation. Building on the network’s long-standing expertise and recent input papers, ERRIN contributed to the call for evidence launched by the European Commission on the future EU Agenda for Cities.
ERRIN’s 10 key messages towards the next Multiannual Financial Framework
At this pivotal time for Europe, with the Commission's proposals for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10) getting closer, European Regions Research and Innovation Network (ERRIN) is pleased to provide inputs on how the EU can create the right conditions for R&I to thrive for a competitive Europe post-2027. Drawing our comprehensive paper series 'Towards the 10th Framework Programme', with insights gathered from the 120 regional ecosystems that ERRIN brings together, ERRIN has put together 10 key messages on the…
Case studies: The role of regions in the Mission on 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030
As part of its work within the NetZeroCities project, ERRIN has developed three case studies showcasing the critical role that regions can play in the EU Mission on climate-neutral and smart cities, using examples from ERRIN member regions. With their climate-related competencies and responsibilities within national governance structures, and role in implementing national policies and facilitating financing, regions are uniquely positioned to support cities in achieving their climate neutrality goals.
ERRIN Year in review 2022
The ERRIN Year in review 2022 is out! Read the report to see the numerous activities ERRIN and its members have been involved in throughout the year.
Letter on Cities' Concerns: Mission on Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities
The Smart Cities WG leaders developed a letter directed towards the Mission Manager and the Mission Secretariat of the Mission on Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities, as a follow-up from the Smart Cities WG meeting on the Cities Mission and the Expression of Interest in November 2021.
Handbook on implementation and adoption barriers of urban living labs developing nature-based solutions
Developing Urban Living Labs is a relatively novel approach in urban areas, and consequently, there are many challenges and barriers that cities face during ULL adoption. This handbook, developed by the UNaLab project, aims to identify and explore some common barriers to the adoption of Urban Living Labs, and provide cities with a tool and an understanding of how to strategically address these barriers.
WG Related Content
Open call for policy sessions at the European Sustainable Energy Week: deadline 22 January
The European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) 2026 Policy Conference invites public authorities, R&I actors, industry and civil society to host interactive 90-minute sessions in Brussels. The deadline for applications is 22 January 2026.
€60 Million European Urban Initiative Call: Key Topics for Innovative Urban Projects Announced
The European Commission has just unveiled further information on the upcoming €60 million call for proposals under the European Urban Initiative – Innovative Actions, financed by the European Regional Development Fund. Proposals are expected to align with the priorities of the EU Agenda for Cities and address one of the thematic areas defined in the call. The call is expected to open in February 2026, with further details on the submission deadline and evaluation timeline to be confirmed by the Commission.
New European Bauhaus: From vision to implementation
On 16 December 2025, the European Commission presented its plans for the future of the New European Bauhaus (NEB), marking a decisive step from vision to large-scale implementation. Adopted as part of the European Affordable Housing Plan, the Communication 'New European Bauhaus: From vision to implementation', together with an accompanying proposal for a Council Recommendation, sets out how the initiative will be scaled up to strengthen its role as a driver of the clean transition and innovation in Europe and beyond.
European Commission launches its first European Affordable Housing Plan
On 16 December, the European Commission presented its first-ever European Affordable Housing Plan, setting out a comprehensive framework to improve access to affordable and sustainable housing across Europe. The Plan is highly relevant for local and regional authorities and their R&I stakeholders, who will play a central role in delivering place-based implementation on the ground.
Get inspired by success stories of the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative
During an online webinar on 11 December, 12 success stories of regions and cities that piloted circular systemic solutions in their territories with support of the Circular Cities and Regions initiatives were presented. We encourage ERRIN members to check the recordings of this webinar, as the lessons learned and experiences shared can inspire other local and regional authorities to launch new local and regional circular initiatives across Europe.
ERRIN Autumn General Meeting 2025: reflecting on a year of policy engagement and shared priorities for the year to come
On 10 December, ERRIN members gathered in Brussels for the network’s Autumn General Meeting. The meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on a year marked by network growth, increased policy engagement and evolving EU priorities, while looking ahead to 2026 and the post-2027 R&I landscape. ERRIN warmly thanks Scotland Europa for hosting the meeting and all members for their active engagement throughout 2025, as the network continues to strengthen the role of regional stakeholders in EU research and innovation policy.
Latest Updates
- By Maria Bostrom
Contribute to ERRIN amendments to the proposed Horizon Europe and Competitiveness Fund regulations
ERRIN will suggest amendments to the proposed Horizon Europe and European Competitiveness Fund regulations based on our input documents. ERRIN members are warmly invited to add your comments and suggest additional amendments. We welcome your contributions as soon as possible and at the latest by 23 January as the work on both proposals are moving fast.
- By Silvia Ghiretti
Open call for policy sessions at the European Sustainable Energy Week: deadline 22 January
The European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) 2026 Policy Conference invites public authorities, R&I actors, industry and civil society to host interactive 90-minute sessions in Brussels. The deadline for applications is 22 January 2026.
- By Paul Brunet
€60 Million European Urban Initiative Call: Key Topics for Innovative Urban Projects Announced
The European Commission has just unveiled further information on the upcoming €60 million call for proposals under the European Urban Initiative – Innovative Actions, financed by the European Regional Development Fund. Proposals are expected to align with the priorities of the EU Agenda for Cities and address one of the thematic areas defined in the call. The call is expected to open in February 2026, with further details on the submission deadline and evaluation timeline to be confirmed by the Commission.
- By Angèle Liaigre
PFAS-impacted territories working group: get involved!
Is your region or city actively working on PFAS? Are you interested in sharing experience and promote the voices of local and regional authorities in this debate? Then join a group of like-minded regions and cities actively collaborating at the European level to fight PFAS pollution.
- By Astrid Hannes
Get inspired by success stories of the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative
During an online webinar on 11 December, 12 success stories of regions and cities that piloted circular systemic solutions in their territories with support of the Circular Cities and Regions initiatives were presented. We encourage ERRIN members to check the recordings of this webinar, as the lessons learned and experiences shared can inspire other local and regional authorities to launch new local and regional circular initiatives across Europe.
- By Zoé Thomazeau
New European Bauhaus: From vision to implementation
On 16 December 2025, the European Commission presented its plans for the future of the New European Bauhaus (NEB), marking a decisive step from vision to large-scale implementation. Adopted as part of the European Affordable Housing Plan, the Communication 'New European Bauhaus: From vision to implementation', together with an accompanying proposal for a Council Recommendation, sets out how the initiative will be scaled up to strengthen its role as a driver of the clean transition and innovation in Europe and beyond.