Data is essential for decision-making and innovation in today’s world.
Cities across Central Europe are embracing Open Data (OD) and Internet of Things (IoT) networks to enhance governance and build smarter cities. The EnCLOD project – Enhancing Governance Capacities of Local Authorities Using Open Data, funded by the European Union under the Interreg Central Europe programme, focuses on improving local governance through the use of Open Data, IoT sensors, and the Digital Twin paradigm, providing large-scale real-time territorial insights.

The project involves five distinct territories — the Province of Vicenza (Italy) and the cities of Debrecen (Hungary), Olomouc (Czech Republic), Nova Gorica (Slovenia), and Žilina (Slovakia) — each at a different stage in their Open Data journey. Some have already made significant progress, while others are just beginning to explore its potential. To assess the current state, the project consortium developed a report analysing the implementation of Open Data across these five pilot territories, highlighting successes, challenges, and future prospects.

This report marks a first step toward strengthening governance through the promotion of Open Data and IoT sensor networks. EnCLOD reinforces multi-level governance, actively involves civil society, and fosters collaboration between the public and private sectors — driving innovation and supporting economic growth.

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The Province of Vicenza (Italy)

Located in the Veneto region, the Province of Vicenza has a solid regulatory framework supporting Open Data, but its application remains uneven.
The area has a long-standing tradition of European projects that have promoted Open Data initiatives, particularly in the fields of mobility, environment, and tourism. However, the data landscape is still fragmented, featuring a mix of static datasets, sporadic IoT applications, and underused tools.

The Open Data Veneto portal offers a wide range of information, yet it struggles to effectively reach citizens and businesses that could benefit most. The Province of Vicenza has laid the groundwork for digital transformation and is now moving towards a more concrete use of Open Data through innovative digital services.

Within the EnCLOD project, the province will focus on improving road maintenance and safety, implementing a digital frost prediction service — a key step toward making infrastructure more resilient and efficient.

Debrecen (Hungary)

Hungary has adopted EU regulations on Open Data, but Debrecen has yet to fully implement them.
Despite hosting a major university and having a strong industrial base, the city has not yet launched any significant initiatives in this field. Unlike other European cities, Debrecen lacks a dedicated Open Data platform, does not regularly organise hackathons, and experiences low levels of public participation. So far, the city’s only step toward Open Data has been through Climathon, a global event focused on climate challenges.

However, this also presents an opportunity: Debrecen has the chance to build a solid and effective Open Data strategy from the ground up. With the right training and adequate support, the city could not only close the gap but also emerge as a leading example.

Within the EnCLOD project, Debrecen will use Open Data to optimise public transport planning, responding to the city’s rapid industrial growth and the projected population increase — up to 50,000 new residents. The goal is to ensure efficient and sustainable mobility services, adapting the transport system to the needs of an expanding urban area.

Olomouc (Czech Republic)

If there is one city leading innovation in Open Data, it is Olomouc.
Thanks to government support, a dedicated regional strategy, and an established Open Data portal, Olomouc has emerged as a model city within the EnCLOD project. The Digital and Information Agency ensures a structured approach, while Palacký University promotes the adoption of Open Data through research, hackathons, and innovation hubs.

The city has made urban planning, smart mobility, and sustainability the pillars of its development, demonstrating how, when managed effectively, Open Data can truly transform urban policy.

Yet, even Olomouc faces a key challenge: actively engaging citizens and businesses in the innovation process.

As part of the EnCLOD project, the city has developed a strategy for the open management of climate and traffic-related IoT data, and is moving towards the creation of a digital twin. Over the next two years, more than 500 sensors will cover the entire urban area, helping to bridge existing gaps and further establish Olomouc as a benchmark for European cities.

Nova Gorica (Slovenia)

Slovenia’s national strategy for Open Data is strong on paper, but Nova Gorica is still searching for its identity.
While the government provides clear guidelines and a well-structured regulatory framework, local-level implementation is progressing more slowly. The city’s Open Data initiatives remain fragmented and rely mostly on national platforms like data.gov.si, without yet fostering a true local innovation ecosystem.

The use of IoT data is almost non-existent, aside from a few niche projects, such as road speed monitoring.
However, Nova Gorica’s strong commitment to sustainable mobility and the green transition — especially through its Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan, linked to its title as European Capital of Culture 2025 — offers a solid foundation for future progress.

With a stronger focus on dynamic, real-time Open Data, Nova Gorica has the potential to evolve from a quiet innovator into a key player in the Open Data movement.

Žilina (Slovakia)

Slovakia has a well-defined national policy on Open Data, but Žilina is still facing implementation challenges.
While some data on transport and the environment is accessible through the Smart Žilina portal, much of the information remains locked behind bureaucratic barriers. The city hosts various hackathons, but the data produced rarely finds application in everyday life.

Žilina’s approach to Open Data is still more reactive than proactive, but initiatives such as the collaboration with the University of Žilina (UNIZA) and the Urban Lab project (clevernet.sk) are paving the way for the use of open IoT data.

Through the EnCLOD project, Žilina is developing its first digital service in support of road safety, providing innovative tools to traffic safety preventists. Thanks to its ties with technical universities and European projects, the city has the potential to overcome existing barriers and build a genuine Open Data-based ecosystem.

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Despite differences among the five territories, several common challenges emerge:

🔹 Fragmented governance – While some cities benefit from solid national policies, coordination at the local level remains weak. More structured governance at the regional and municipal levels could help maximise the benefits of Open Data.

🔹 Limited real-time data – Most available data is static, rarely updated, and not integrated with IoT systems. The Sentilo platform in Barcelona, with its network of over 15,000 sensors, showcases the potential of a more dynamic approach.

🔹 Low public engagement – Even where Open Data is available, citizens and businesses often don’t know how to make use of it. A shift in mindset is needed: from government-led data publication to community-driven Open Data ecosystems.

Looking Ahead: Building the Future of Open Data

IEnCLOD is not just mapping the present — it’s shaping the future.
Based on the analysis conducted, here’s what the project partners are preparing to implement in the near future:

🔹 Development of Action Plans – Each territory has outlined a comprehensive Open Data strategy, ensuring its alignment with the Green Deal and smart city models.

🔹 Promotion of cross-border collaboration – Territories will share tools, applications, and best practices, creating a knowledge-exchange ecosystem.

🔹 Strengthening IoT data integration – The project is exploring new ways to expand real-time Open Data collection through sensor networks and smart technologies.

🔹 Empowering local communities – Workshops, hackathons, and training activities will play a key role in bridging the knowledge gap between governments, businesses, and citizens.

Conclusion: A Data-Driven Tomorrow

The path toward Open Data maturity is not linear — it is shaped by both challenges and opportunities, but all cities are making progress.
Each is exploring new ways to leverage open data, building on its own strengths and finding the most effective approach to make information more accessible and impactful.

Through EnCLOD, these pilot territories are not just adopting Open Data — they are helping to define how it can support governance, drive innovation, and improve daily life across Central Europe.

👉 Discover the full analysis of Open Data in these five pilot territories by reading the full report “EnCLOD territories Open Data maturity level and gaps analysis” (D.1.2.1).

In March 2024, Villa Fabris opened its doors, transforming into a vibrant hub of training, innovation, and collaboration. Located in the heart of Thiene (Vicenza), this historic residence has become the symbol of an ambitious project: Villa Fabris, a Shared Asset. Thanks to the collaboration with Engim Veneto, lead partner of the initiative, and Samarcanda Cooperativa Sociale Onlus, we launched a revitalisation journey inspired by the values of beauty, equity, participation, and care.

But Villa Fabris is more than just an event venue — it’s also our operational home. ALDA has an on-site office where we work year-round to bring new projects to life, welcome partners, and engage with the local community. Anyone who wishes to visit us is most welcome!

In this first year, Villa Fabris has hosted events, meetings, and moments of collective growth that have created an extraordinary experience. Let’s take a look back at some of the most meaningful milestones from this first year of activity!

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ALDA International School 2024

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Among the most significant initiatives, the first edition of the ALDA International School, held from 28 to 30 August 2024, represented a unique opportunity for learning and exchange. The event brought together 30 participants from 12 European countries, creating a dynamic space for sharing ideas and skills.

Over the three days of training, we had the honour of hosting distinguished speakers, including Patrick Molinoz, Chair of the CIVEX Commission of the European Committee of the Regions, Gianantonio Michelusi, Mayor of Thiene, and Helfried Carl, founder of the European Capital of Democracy initiative, along with many other experts and institutional representatives.

One of the most meaningful moments was the focus on the situation in Ukraine, highlighting the concrete actions being carried out by ALDA’s members and Local Democracy Agencies to support local communities.

And the good news doesn’t stop there: the next edition of the ALDA International School will take place from 3 to 5 September 2025, with registrations opening in April. Don’t miss the chance to be part of it!

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ALDA Staff Meeting 2025

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Another key event was the 2025 ALDA Staff Meeting, which brought together over 70 colleagues from across Europe and countries such as Senegal, Georgia, Moldova, Turkey, and beyond.

This annual gathering served as a vital opportunity to strengthen the association’s strategy and plan future steps. But that’s not all — the Staff Meeting also hosted the Project Management and Project Design Retreat, two intensive workshops aimed at optimising workflows and enhancing the skills of the project implementation and development teams.

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ALDA Coordination Board

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Villa Fabris also served as the setting for the Coordination Board, a key moment of exchange between ALDA’s department heads, regional units, and the Secretary General. The goal? To assess the Association’s progress and define strategies to strengthen its mission and amplify its impact.

The Mayor of Thiene, Gianantonio Michelusi, took part in the meeting, offering his institutional support and highlighting the importance of ALDA’s role in the local community.

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A Future of Training and Growth at Villa Fabris

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2025 will be a year full of activities at Villa Fabris, with new initiatives that will continue to make this space a true hub for training and project innovation.

Among the confirmed events, project-based training courses will be held, led by ALDA+, aimed at providing participants with an in-depth understanding of Project Cycle Management.

The journey will begin with project ideation, exploring how to search for calls and build strategic partnerships. It will then move into the implementation phase, focusing on operational management and monitoring. Finally, the course will conclude with a focus on communication and reporting, two essential pillars to ensure transparency and sustainability.

But training courses won’t be the only activity on the agenda: Villa Fabris will also host workshops, thematic meetings, and networking moments between experts and professionals. The goal is to continue nurturing an engaged and active community, where ideas turn into concrete opportunities.

And this is just the beginning! ✨

In early 2025, the 3P4SSE project took significant strides in fostering the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) across Central Europe through a series of Peer Reviews held in Trento (Italy), Split-Dalmatia (Croatia), Szombathely (Hungary), Legnica (Poland), and Maribor (Slovenia). Each of these visits provided an opportunity for collaborative learning, policy refinement, and stakeholder engagement, contributing to a stronger and more resilient SSE ecosystem.

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Trento, Italy: Enhancing governance and mapping SSE growth

The Autonomous Province of Trento hosted a Peer Review on February 11-12, 2025, focusing on the Trentino Local Action Plan (LAP). With 24 participants, discussions centered on solidarity economy districts (DES), the creation of an SSE Forum, and raising awareness among stakeholders.

Field visits included:

• Le Formichine, a cooperative supporting employment for disadvantaged women, showcasing SSE’s role in inclusion.
• Orto in Bosco, an organic agriculture initiative promoting sustainable food production and social integration.
• Campana dei Caduti, where discussions on solidarity economy governance took place.

Key recommendations included improving communication among DES actors, clarifying roles, and ensuring long-term sustainability.

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Split-Dalmatia, Croatia: Advancing Public-Private Collaboration

On February 20, 2025, stakeholders gathered in Split-Dalmatia to discuss the Croatian LAP, hosted by the National Foundation for Civil Society Development and Split-Dalmatia County.

Key insights came from:

• Održivo d.o.o., which is pioneering regenerative agriculture and green architecture.
• LAG Adrion, supporting employment for individuals over 50 in rural areas.
• Cerura, leading the development of a Virtual Center for Social Entrepreneurship.

Discussions emphasised the importance of SSE Support Centers and public-private partnerships in fostering sustainable business models.

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Szombathely, Hungary: Leveraging Digital Innovation for SSE

Held on February 5, 2025, the Peer Review in Szombathely, hosted by Pannon Business Network (PBN), explored Hungary’s SSE ecosystem.

Study visits highlighted:

• at.HOME, a research hub developing smart living solutions for an aging population.
• am-LAB, a digital innovation center supporting SSEs through technology.

Key takeaways stressed the need for:

• Increased stakeholder involvement to build structured support mechanisms.
• Policy alignment with European strategies to ensure sustainability.

Digital transformation as a tool for SSE growth.

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Legnica, Poland: Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships

On February 25, 2025, Legnica’s ARLEG Business Incubator and DOPS hosted a review focusing on public-private partnerships (PPP) in SSE.

Highlights included:

• A session on developing PPPs in the Legnica-Głogów sub-region, showcasing collaboration between social enterprises, government bodies, and NGOs.
• A site visit to Teatr Avatar Foundation, demonstrating SSE’s impact in the cultural sector and social inclusion.

The review emphasised bridging the gap between local authorities and SSE actors through social procurement and networking.

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Maribor, Slovenia: Social Innovation in Local Development

The first Peer Review on January 23, 2025, was held in Podravje, Maribor, hosted by Fundacija Prizma and RRA Podravje – Maribor.

Key discussions revolved around:

• The Slovenian Local Action Plan, which focuses on social economy clusters and public-private partnerships.
• The Živo Gnezdo initiative in Poljčane, which integrates culinary experiences, local culture, and community-driven services.

The event underscored the importance of collaboration across sectors to enhance social impact and economic sustainability.

Looking Ahead: Building a Resilient SSE Network

The 3P4SSE Peer Reviews highlighted best practices, challenges, and innovative approaches to strengthening SSE across Central Europe. The insights gained will guide LAP improvements, policy alignment, and capacity-building efforts in each region.

By fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and cross-border partnerships, the project is paving the way for a more inclusive, sustainable, and economically resilient future.

Stay connected as we continue working towards a stronger SSE ecosystem in Europe!

Do you want to gain strategic and operational skills to successfully develop, manage, and report on funded projects? This training course is designed to provide you with practical tools and effective methodologies to tackle every phase of the project cycle — from identifying funding opportunities to communicating results.

✔️ Online, with a course in English structured into 8 lessons of 3 hours each, ideal for those seeking flexibility without compromising on quality.

What will you gain from this course?

• How to access EU funding: strategies to identify the right calls and understand funding opportunities.
• Proposal writing and project development: from idea to application, with concrete examples and practical tips.
• Project management: work planning, budget management, monitoring, and impact evaluation.
• Communication and dissemination: maximize your project’s visibility and the recognition of your work.

📌 Limited spots available! Registrations are officially open!

Deadline to enrol:

🚨 30 April 2025 – Online English course (🇬🇧)

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The schedule with the course dates and times is available below.

The English course, will be held online, ensuring maximum flexibility for those who wish to attend from anywhere. It will consist of eight sessions, each lasting three hours, for a comprehensive and well-structured learning experience.

Online course in English

Click the links below to view the detailed course agendas!

Meet the trainers who will guide your learning journey – click the buttons below to discover more!

Our trainers are experienced, multilingual professionals who will equip you with the theoretical foundations and practical tools you need to develop, manage, and report on funded projects with both strategic vision and operational effectiveness.

ℹ️ Practical Information

Registrations are officially open!

To ensure a high-quality learning experience and allow trainers to provide close support, the courses will have limited capacity. Places are limited, so we recommend booking as soon as possible!

Deadline to enrol:

🚨 30 April 2025 – Online English course (🇬🇧)

💰💰 Cost and Payment Methods

The cost of the courses is €360.

To confirm your registration and secure your spot, a €50 deposit is required at the time of registration. The remaining amount must be paid before the course begins.

Are you an #ALDAmember? You’re entitled to a 10% discount on our courses! Take advantage of this opportunity and register now! 👇

Already made up your mind and ready to join the course? Write to us at training@aldaplus.it – we’ll send you all the details and the bank information to proceed with the payment.

The 3P4SSE – Public-private-partnership for Social and Solidarity Economy, project continues to make strides in strengthening the social and solidarity economy (SSE) across Central Europe. The recent Peer Review in Trento, hosted by the Autonomous Province of Trento (PAT) and Trentino Federation of Cooperation (FTC), served as a vital platform for experience exchange and collaborative evaluation of Trentino’s Local Action Plan (LAP).

With 24 participants, the Peer Review brought together key project partners, including PRIZMA, DOPS, PBN, and ALDA+, alongside stakeholders from the Municipality of Poljcane, Consolida, Trentino Social Tank, and Euricse. Their collective expertise and engagement played a crucial role in reviewing the LAP and identifying areas for enhancement.

The two-day event focused on three main intervention areas of the LAP:

• Mapping the current state of solidarity economy districts (DES) to assess strengths, challenges, and opportunities.
• Creating an SSE Forum to enhance collaboration and governance within Trentino’s SSE ecosystem.
• Increasing Awareness among stakeholders and communities about the role and benefits of DES.

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On the first day, participants visited “Le Formichine”, a cooperative supporting employment for disadvantaged women at risk of social marginalisation. Established in 2009, this initiative showcases how SSE fosters inclusion and economic opportunities through partnerships between Famiglia Materna, the Cooperativa Sociale Punto d’Approdo, and local public authorities.

Another inspiring visit took place at Orto in Bosco, an agricultural and food processing project focused on organic production, social inclusion of NEETs, and sustainable food innovation. This initiative highlights how SSE can drive environmental sustainability while creating employment for vulnerable groups.

The day concluded at Campana dei Caduti, a symbolic location promoting peace and social cohesion, where discussions centred on solidarity economy governance and sustainability strategies.

The second day focused on interactive discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions, leading to key recommendations for strengthening the LAP.

• Enhancing communication among DES actors and stakeholders to improve collaboration.
• Clarifying roles and responsibilities within the SSE ecosystem for better coordination.
• Developing a sustainability plan to ensure long-term viability of DES.
• Leveraging the Mapping process to guide future actions and policy recommendations.

The mapping process led by FTC, with Euricse’s support, is already yielding valuable insights, with 13 stakeholder interviews conducted in Vallagarina, Fiemme, and Valsugana. These findings will directly inform the next phase of LAP implementation and help shape strategic actions for strengthening DES governance and impact.

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A Blueprint for replicability in other regions

Beyond Trentino, the Peer Review highlighted the transferability potential of the LAP approach:

• The Mapping methodology can be adapted to other regional contexts to assess and improve DES structures.
• The Toolkit under development will provide practical guidance for setting up and managing DES in diverse territories.
• The DES Forum model could be replicated at both regional and transnational levels to foster peer learning and policy alignment.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening the SSE Ecosystem

The 3P4SSE Peer Review in Trento has been a pivotal step in advancing the SSE agenda in Central Europe. By fostering cross-border collaboration, promoting innovative governance models, and supporting policy reforms, the project is paving the way for a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable social economy.

Stay tuned for further updates as we continue working towards a stronger SSE network across Europe!

GreenScape CE is excited to introduce the interactive DIY Guide for Citizens on Implementing and Funding Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) and Green Infrastructure (GI)! This engaging guide is designed to empower individuals and communities across Central Europe to transform their spaces, balconies, gardens, or neighborhoods, into thriving green oases.
Whether you’re looking to combat climate challenges, improve air quality, or simply enjoy the therapeutic benefits of greenery, this guide is your ultimate companion. Let’s dive into what it offers!

Why This Guide?

European cities face a common challenge: many residents are unaware of the immense benefits of green infrastructure. This guide addresses that gap by:

• Educating citizens about the free services plants provide, from improving air quality to reducing stress.
• Offering simple, practical solutions adaptable to gardens, balconies, or even urban courtyards.
• Inspiring individuals to work with municipalities for greener public spaces.

 What’s Inside?

The guide is packed with actionable tips and resources to help you start your green journey. Here’s a sneak peek:

Benefits of Green Spaces

Learn how plants contribute to:

•  Microclimate regulation
• Air purification
•  Stress reduction and mental health
• Food production
•  Increasing property value

Step-by-Step Process & Handy Checklists

Get organised with checklists for balcony gardens, community parks, or private green spaces. Whether you’re planting herbs or building rain gardens, this guide has got you covered.

Interactive Videos

Explore DIY solutions like:

• Balcony gardening essentials 
• Rainwater collection systems 
• Biodiversity tips 
• Medicinal herb gardening 

Recommendations for Greener Communities

Discover ways to make public spaces greener by collaborating with city departments, using permeable pavements, and maintaining rain gardens.

Take Action Today!

From composting and rainwater collection to starting a community garden, this guide inspires and equips you to turn ideas into action. For every green solution, there’s a clickable resource or video to guide you every step of the way.

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Let’s create resilient, biodiverse spaces together. 

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🔗 Access the DIY Guide here!

We’re thrilled to share this resource with you and look forward to seeing how citizens across Europe bring green infrastructure to life. 

The GINEVRA project, in collaboration with our knowledge provider EMFIE, proudly presents the AV Readiness Assessment Tool, an innovative solution designed to help cities evaluate their preparedness for autonomous vehicles (AVs) and take critical steps toward future-ready urban mobility. This tool serves as a comprehensive starting point for cities aiming to embrace not only AVs but also other transformative technologies.

What is the AV Readiness Assessment Tool?

The AV Readiness Assessment Tool is a groundbreaking online calculator tailored for small and medium-sized Central European cities. By leveraging a multi-variant statistical model, the tool evaluates a city’s readiness to integrate AVs and provides actionable insights to guide municipalities in their journey toward AV deployment. While the tool’s primary focus is on autonomous vehicle readiness, its adaptability ensures its relevance for other transformative innovations as well.

How Does It Work?

The tool uses a composite index to facilitate benchmarking and comparisons across cities. Municipalities input specific data via a simple interface, engaging stakeholders and citizens through collaborative processes. The tool then generates an AV Readiness Score, which highlights strengths, identifies problem areas (such as potential bias, discrimination, or resistance), and evaluates proposed deployment measures. Based on the assessment, cities are categorized into one of four readiness levels:

1. AV Pioneer (75-100%): Highly prepared cities with key infrastructure, policies, and public awareness initiatives already in place, ensuring a seamless transition to AVs.
2. AV Friendly (50-75%): Cities with solid progress in relevant infrastructure and policies, offering a favorable environment for AVs but needing targeted improvements to achieve full readiness.
3. AV Developing (25-50%): Cities with foundational assets that show potential but require significant enhancements in areas like road infrastructure, connectivity, and public awareness.
4. Limited AV Readiness (0-25%): Cities requiring urgent improvements in essential infrastructure, policy, and safety measures to support AV integration.

Key Features

• Composite Index: Enables clear benchmarking and comparison between cities.
• Collaborative Approach: Engages stakeholders and citizens in the assessment process.
• Tailored Action Plans: Offers actionable recommendations based on readiness levels.
• Insights for Improvement: Identifies critical areas for development, such as regulatory frameworks, public safety measures, and public awareness.

Why is this Tool Important?

As cities across Europe and beyond prepare for the future of mobility, autonomous vehicles are emerging as a transformative innovation. The AV Readiness Assessment Tool equips cities with the knowledge and resources to navigate this transition responsibly and efficiently. By identifying gaps and providing tailored action plans, the tool ensures that municipalities can:

• Enhance urban mobility systems.
• Promote sustainable innovation.
• Foster collaboration among local stakeholders.

Looking Ahead

Although the current version of the tool is already a significant step forward, it is not yet finalized. Our developers are working diligently to refine and enhance its features to ensure maximum impact. We will soon share the final version, enabling cities to fully benefit from this tool and take critical steps toward future-ready urban mobility systems. Stay tuned! 

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Explore the Tool!

For a visual overview and to explore the AV Readiness Assessment Tool, visit: https://www.emfie.eu/avreadiness

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From November 28 to 29, 2024, the historic city of Ptuj (Slovenia) hosted an important event: the GreenScape CE Partner Meeting. Over two days, project partners gathered to address the creation of climate-resilient urban landscapes. The meeting brought together representatives from partner cities, urban planning experts, and civic engagement specialists, all committed to developing innovative strategies to make Central Europe’s urban areas greener, more sustainable, and more livable.

The first day laid the groundwork for innovative and productive collaboration:

• Study Visit: A guided tour of Ptuj’s successful green initiatives allowed participants to witness tangible applications of green infrastructure, providing inspiration and concrete models for sustainable urban development.
• Introductory Discussions: REGEA and ALDA+ led the opening sessions, focusing on project management and communication strategies, sharing significant updates on progress, and outlining the next steps.
• Workshop on Nature-Based Solutions (NBS): Under the theme ‘Sowing the Seeds,’ partners delved into best practices for implementing nature-based solutions (NBS) and green infrastructure (GI), emphasising innovative and replicable approaches.

The second and final day of the GreenScape CE Partner Meeting centered on actionable strategies and planning for future activities:

• Collaborative Workshops: Under the theme “Bring About Change,” partners, guided by ETIFOR and other experts, refined pilot actions, drafted feasibility studies, and developed the technical documentation required for future implementations.
• Strategic Deep-Dive Sessions: Contributions from UIRS – Urbanistični Inštitut Republike Slovenije, AMBIT, Energiaklub, ZRS Bistra, the City of Zagreb, and ALDA+ explored opportunities to connect green infrastructure (GI) and nature-based solutions (NBS) initiatives. These sessions also highlighted strategies to raise awareness and engage local communities effectively.
• Next Steps: Partners committed to expanding the GreenScape CE network, strengthening regional collaboration, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of project results.

The day concluded with a shared and ambitious vision to integrate green solutions into cities, tackle urban climate challenges, and create a roadmap to transform gray areas into green, resilient cities.

The Ptuj meeting reinforced the GreenScape CE consortium’s commitment to creating inclusive and climate-resilient urban environments. It showcased the transformative potential of nature-based solutions (NBS) and green infrastructure (GI) in mitigating urban heat island effects while promoting harmonious and sustainable development.

The collaborative energy, innovative solutions, and shared passion among partners perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the GreenScape CE project.

As the project progresses, the GreenScape CE partnership will continue to expand its network, foster local community engagement, and implement innovative solutions to reshape the urban landscapes of Central Europe.

Stay tuned for updates on the next steps of our mission: #MakeGreyCitiesGreener!