It is a European cooperation and networking program for sustainable urban development, in which 27 Spanish cities currently participate, including Murcia, Malaga, Valencia, Onda, and Plasencia. This network allows them to exchange best practices, improve their urban policies, and work in constant communication with other European cities. It is jointly funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and EU member states.
Among the initiatives it has inspired, we can highlight the conservation of the hydraulic heritage of Elche, in Valencia, which has been supported by URBACT, combining sustainability, cultural heritage, and green infrastructure. The program works through calls for proposals, to which interested Spanish cities can apply to join thematic networks, share their best practices, and participate in transnational projects.
Its link with the NEB lies in its focus on citizen participation, integrated planning, and sustainability, methodologies that seek solutions in mobility, housing, energy, urban regeneration, social inclusion, community cohesion, and adaptation to climate change.
