Highlights from the meeting of EU Directors-General on Urban Matters in Budapest
Two important topics were discussed regarding the UAEU Partnerships. Firstly, two new partnerships were validated: Building Decarbonisation and Water Sensitive City. Secondly, the final versions of the action plans developed by the Sustainable Tourism and Greening Cities partnerships were acknowledged and applauded.
The two new partnerships are set to kick-off at the beginning of 2025, with both topics having been proposed in the Gijón Agreements at the Informal Ministerial Meeting on November 14, 2023. The final Ex-Ante Assessment (EAA) reports were adopted by the DGUM on June 26, 2024, leading to the decision to launch Calls for selecting Partners for the new Thematic Partnerships. These Calls were open from August 28 to October 2, 2024.
A total of 45 organisations applied for the Building Decarbonisation Partnership, including 19 cities, while 44 organisations applied for the Water Sensitive City Partnership, with 22 cities participating.
The composition of the two UAEU Partnerships was determined after a careful evaluation of the applications by the EAA experts. Key considerations included the diversity of stakeholders, the different sizes of urban authorities - from small cities to large metropolitan regions, and their geographical distribution. This balanced approach was crucial to ensure that the Partnerships effectively represent partners from across the EU.
Building Decarbonisation
The new Building Decarbonisation partnership will focus on decarbonisation and renovation of all buildings, both publicly and privately owned. The EAA recognised that cities have often paid less attention to incentivising private building owners to increase their rates of retrofits and decarbonisation. Additionally, the Partnership will explore how cities can use their own buildings as leverage for future decarbonisation efforts.
Water Sensitive City
The Water Sensitive City Partnership will shift the approach to urban water management by reframing water as a valuable resource rather than a challenge. Its thematic scope will address the complex interplay between water resources, water quality, urban infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and societal needs within urban areas. By adopting a holistic perspective, the Partnership will seek to simplify access to the water-sensitive city concept, serving as a central hub for cities and their supporters.
Greening Cities & Sustainable Tourism Action Plans
With the approval of their Action Plans, the Greening Cities and Sustainable Tourism Partnerships will now enter the implementation phase. This stage aims to create a lasting impact on urban greening and sustainable tourism, promoting a greener and more resilient future for EU cities.
