Nearly 100 participants took part in the event that combined a midterm event for the 15 projects funded in the first call from 2019 with kick-off events for the 12 projects funded in the additional Sino-European and Innovation Action calls. Representatives from the ACUTE knowledgehub, national funding agencies and experts from European organisations participated as well. The third day, 17 May, featured an Agora Strategic Dialogue with representatives from three Rumanian cities investigating these cities challenges and projects related to the 15-minute city approach, introducing an on site visit to Proiectul Liniei – Largest linear park in Romania taking shape in Bucharest’s District 6 (more information below).
Pascal Bain, the ENUAC coordinator and Head of Scientific Department “Physical Sciences, Engineering, Chemistry, Energy“, ANR, kicked the day off to talked about the journey of ENUAC, there after Margit Noll, CEO of the Driving Urban Transitions Partnership, shed light on how ENUAC aligns with the JPI Urban Europe and the DUT 15 min city priorities. The European partnership Driving Urban Transitions to a Sustainable Future (DUT) launched in 2022 builds on the experiences of JPI Urban Europe and steppes up the long-term collaboration between the European Commission and the partner organisations in 28 + countries in Europe. DUT introduced the 15-minutes city concept as one of three transition pathways and thematic focuses for future research and innovation in the partnership.
The event also had the opportunity to discuss the challenges the cities face in their quest for climate neutrality. Much work is going on but it was also evident that traditional tools and methods are not always sufficient, and a significant reliance on cars persists. On the bright side participants from various ENUAC projects emphasized the importance of learning from other cities and exchanging solutions. This collaborative approach was highlighted as essential for achieving success.
It became clear that the event had a positiv impact on the participants on several levels where the meeting provided an opportunity for the projects, partners, cities, municipalities and stakeholders to meet, share knowledge and community building. The new projects got the chance to introduce their research, engage in strategic discussions, workshop and networking. Let’s continue to foster these connections and work together towards sustainable urban transformations!
Visit the JPI Urban Europe Youtube channel and watch our video with snapshots and reflections from the event.
While providing an attractive narrative for urban mobility transition, 15-minute City concepts need to be specified further when focusing on implementation and adaptation in different contexts. Building on the experience and practice of Romanian cities taking part in the EU Cities Mission “Bucharest – District 2, Cluj-Napoca and Suceava”, participants from policy, research, business and civil society were invited to the meeting 17 May, to discuss local challenges and critical issues for 15-minute City approaches.
Initiatelly a on site visit was arranged to Proiectul Liniei – Largest linear park in Romania taking shape in Bucharest’s District 6 (part of the Integrated urban development program of District 6 Bucharest 2021 -2030 for connectivity and mobility).
Planned for the Militari neighbourhood, the new 4.2 km park has already started taking shape, with the first phase estimated to be completed this spring. Street, green pedestrian promenade, dedicated to alternative transport and commercial life, with above-ground passages, playgrounds, landscaping and facilities for outdoor sports activities for the whole family, places where children, parents and grandparents enjoy an active lifestyle.
According to the District 6 City Hall, the new Liniei Park will stretch over the former railway line on Liniei Street, abandoned for 20 years, which served several factories, and the adjacent land, over a width of 400 meters. It will have bike paths, basketball courts, a skatepark, a children’s playground, a dog area, a dry-deck fountain, hammocks, and beanbag chairs.
The day ended up in a workshop where the participants could exchange, discuss and co-create on what is needed to drive urban transitions, but also had an opportunity of networking.
