On 24 September, the EnCLOD project reached an important milestone with its Final Conference, “OPEN DATA – Toward a Better Governance of Mobility and the Territory.” The event brought together more than 70 participants from the research community, private sector, public authorities and organisations working on mobility, territorial development and innovation.

As a partner of the EnCLOD project, ALDA+ has contributed throughout its implementation to strengthening the connection between Open Data, local governance and stakeholder engagement, supporting the exchange and transfer of knowledge generated within the project.

The Final Conference offered an opportunity to bring these different dimensions together, presenting the results achieved by the partnership and discussing how data can become a practical resource for public authorities and communities.

From Open Data to better decision-making

Throughout the conference, researchers, entrepreneurs, start-up founders and representatives of local authorities shared concrete experiences of collecting, analysing and using Open Data.

The discussions highlighted how making data accessible is only the first step. Its real value emerges when data can be transformed into knowledge that supports public authorities in understanding local challenges, making evidence-based decisions and improving services for citizens.

This approach is particularly relevant in areas such as mobility, territorial planning and climate change mitigation and adaptation, where local authorities increasingly need reliable information and effective tools to respond to complex challenges.

Among the experiences presented during the conference, particular attention was dedicated to the Olomouc Pilot Action, which explored how Open Data can support climate change adaptation, with a specific focus on the effects of urban heat islands.

The pilot provided a concrete example of how data-driven approaches can help local authorities better understand their territory, identify priorities and develop more targeted responses.

Taking EnCLOD beyond the project

For ALDA+, the conclusion of a European project is not simply about closing activities, but also about ensuring that the knowledge, methodologies and partnerships developed throughout its implementation can continue to generate value.

The Final Conference therefore represented an important opportunity to discuss the sustainability and transferability of EnCLOD’s results and how the experience developed by the partnership can continue to support public authorities and other stakeholders interested in using Open Data for better territorial governance.

For ALDA+, the experience of EnCLOD once again demonstrates the importance of connecting innovation with the needs and capacities of local actors. Data and digital tools can contribute to better governance when they are accompanied by cooperation, capacity building and meaningful engagement with the stakeholders who will ultimately use them.

As EnCLOD comes to an end, the knowledge, tools and relationships developed through the project provide a strong foundation for continuing this work and supporting more informed, sustainable and resilient local communities across Europe.

As part of the PR Veneto ESF+ 2021–2027 project “Skills for More Accessible, Sustainable and Digital Tourism” (Regional Council Decision No. 442 of 22 April 2025), led by Umana Forma with ALDA+ as an associate partner, a new series of excursions continues to showcase the unique heritage of the Alta Via della Grande Guerra (AVGG) in the Vicentine Pre-Alps.

The initiative aims to strengthen sustainable tourism by enhancing the knowledge and appreciation of one of the region’s most significant historical and natural landscapes. Through guided experiences, participants are invited to discover places of remembrance while promoting responsible tourism, cultural awareness, and stronger connections between local communities and visitors.

The Alta Via della Grande Guerra was created through the collaboration between the Province of Vicenza and the Mountain Community of the Seven Municipalities with the objective of preserving and promoting the area’s remarkable First World War heritage. The 200-kilometre route connects the four symbolic memorial sites of Pasubio, Cimone, Asiago, and Grappa, while passing through numerous trenches, forts, military roads, and fortifications that tell the story of one of Europe’s most dramatic conflicts.

Today, the route represents much more than a historical itinerary. It combines cultural heritage, breathtaking natural landscapes, and local gastronomic traditions, while encouraging reflection on the consequences of war and the importance of peace for future generations.

Within the ESF+ project, the excursions are designed both for tourism professionals and for the wider public. By offering direct experiences in the territory, the initiative seeks to increase awareness of the Alta Via della Grande Guerra, strengthen the skills of tourism operators, and create a network of local ambassadors capable of promoting the route and its values.

The programme includes two complementary activities:

• Outdoor training sessions, dedicated to tourism operators and members of the local network;
• Guided workshops and excursions, open to the general public.

The outdoor training programme concluded on 19 May with an excursion to Monte Grappa, one of the most symbolic places of remembrance in the region. Accompanied by an expert environmental guide, participants explored both the historical significance and the exceptional natural heritage of the area, gaining valuable insights into how cultural and environmental tourism can complement one another.

The programme now continues with two final excursions open to the public, scheduled for 18 and 25 July.

Walking through history on Monte Fior and Monte Castelgomberto

On 18 July, participants will explore the landscapes of the Asiago Plateau, following a route across Monte Fior and Monte Castelgomberto.

Known as the “Key to Italy” because of their strategic importance during the First World War, these mountains still preserve trenches and military positions once occupied by the renowned Sassari Brigade. The excursion offers an opportunity to experience both history and nature, crossing peaceful alpine pastures where the silence is broken only by the calls of marmots and the mountain wind.

As the path climbs higher, the landscape gradually changes, revealing the spectacular limestone formations of the “City of Rock”—a unique karst landscape shaped during the Ice Age that adds remarkable geological value to the experience.

Monte Grappa: landscapes of memory

The final excursion, on 25 July, will lead participants through the Monte Grappa area, following the grassy ridges of Monte Asolone and Col della Beretta.

These locations played a decisive role during the Battle of Arresto in 1917 and became a crucial defensive line protecting both the Cadorna Road and the Venetian plain. Today, visitors can walk along panoramic trails offering breathtaking views that extend from the Dolomites to the Venetian Lagoon, while discovering a landscape still marked by bomb craters and other traces of the conflict.

The approximately 8-kilometre route, with an elevation gain of around 350 metres, combines historical interpretation with the extraordinary beauty of the surrounding natural environment, offering participants a unique opportunity to reflect on the relationship between memory, landscape, and peace.

Those interested in participating or receiving further information can contact luisa@aldaintranet.org.

In the framework of the EnCLOD Project, on Saturday, 13 June, the Province of Vicenza and ALDA+, in close collaboration with the IUAV University of Venice, organised an event titled “Open Data in Vicenza: Results of the EnCLOD Project and Innovation for Territorial Governance”. Over 50 participants, including local administrators, researchers, private companies, students, and key stakeholders, gathered to explore how open data can support highly effective territorial governance, promote digital innovation, and stimulate dynamic new partnerships between the public and private sectors.

The conference was opened with the welcome remarks and greetings from Andrea Nardin, the President of the Province of Vicenza. In his opening address, President Nardin strongly emphasised the vital role of innovation and of public-private collaboration in enhancing sustainable territorial governance. 

Following the opening remarks, the morning sessions shifted focus to the practical achievements of the local pilot action in Vicenza, developed under the framework of the European EnCLOD project. Among the primary successes presented was the optimisation of winter road salting operations. Furthermore, the pilot successfully introduced a real-time environmental monitoring network. This was achieved by deploying a weather sensor network across four highly critical points along mountain road arteries throughout the Province of Vicenza. Crucially, all information gathered through these sensor networks has now been published transparently on the official institutional portal of the Province of Vicenza. By making this valuable information fully accessible, the project establishes highly replicable data models and provides citizens with open and transparent information.

Another central highlight of the day was the official awards ceremony for the EnCLOD Open Data Hackathon. Organised in partnership with the Digital Innovation Hub of Confargianato Imprese Vicenze, this intense hackathon challenged four teams of talented innovators to develop creative, practical digital solutions based entirely on the reuse of available public open data. The final projects clearly illustrated the immense potential of open data to generate substantial economic value and provided concrete ideas for enhancing territorial governance. 

Beyond the project-specific results, the conference also provided an expert deep dive into the strategic importance of the information assets held by the Chambers of Commerce. Speakers demonstrated how detailed data regarding the regional socio-economic context could serve as a crucial asset for both private enterprises and public authorities. However, it is crucial to effectively transform raw data into long-term development strategies.

The successful event concluded with a strong, shared commitment to continuously advance the local open data ecosystem by strengthening collaborations between public institutions, private businesses, academic research bodies, and civil society. 

European programmes, local initiatives and active participation: these were the key themes of the meeting titled “Rural development: from the European perspective to local practices”, held on Friday 24 April at the “Enrico Narciso” Cultural Centre in Santa Croce del Sannio. Organised by ALDA+ in collaboration with the Municipality of Santa Croce del Sannio, the event brought together local authorities, the scientific community and civil society organisations to reflect on opportunities for revitalising rural areas.

The day began with a welcome address by the Mayor of Santa Croce del Sannio, Antonio Zeoli, and a presentation of the initiative, which forms part of the local cultural and social regeneration project “Tracce”, promoted by the Municipality of Santa Croce del Sannio and the Municipality of Circello and funded under Misura PNRR M1C3 – Intervento 2.1 – Attrattività dei borghi storici. 

The first session provided an overview of rural development policies and best practices in the European Union. Serafín Pazos-Vidal of AEIDL opened the conference by describing his organisation’s approach to participatory local development. Next, Elyse Lebreuilly, Secretary-General of Leader France, highlighted the role of local networks in strengthening community-led strategies. To conclude the session, Eriberto Eulisse, Executive Director of WAMU-NET, outlined the role of eco-museums and extended museums in sustainable local development through community involvement.  

The second session focused on local regeneration initiatives. Academic representatives gave presentations, including Claudia De Luca, from the Department of Architecture at the University of Bologna, and Pasquale De Toro, from the “Alberto Calza Bini” Interdepartmental Centre for Research in Urban Planning at the University of Naples Federico II. These were complemented by contributions from the Popoli e Territori foundation and the Ru.De.Ri. association, represented by Valentina Anzoise, who provided concrete examples of community involvement and the promotion of local resources, including Rural Design Week. 

In the afternoon, the focus shifted to the challenges of the Alto Tammaro area. Utilising a participatory focus-group methodology, the attendees collectively delved into the topic, co-designing shared strategic pathways for sustainable rural development in the region. 

The event proved to be a success, with over forty people in attendance and more than twenty joining remotely. This outcome confirms the growing interest in the topic of rural development. 

From experimentation to real-life application, autonomous transport is moving closer to everyday reality. In Bad Schönborn (Germany), a small municipality is becoming a testing ground for the future of public mobility within the EU-funded GINEVRA project.

A small town at the forefront of innovation

In the German municipality of Bad Schönborn, autonomous electric shuttle buses are already circulating, without a driver behind the wheel. Instead, an onboard operator ensures safety and can intervene if necessary, as required by current regulations.

This pilot is part of the European project GINEVRA, funded under the European Regional Development Fund, bringing together partners from seven countries, including research institutions, municipalities, and technology providers. Notably, Bad Schönborn stands out as the smallest municipality involved and the only German participant, demonstrating how even small communities can play a key role in shaping Europe’s innovation landscape.

How does the autonomous shuttle work?

The vehicle operates along a predefined virtual route, guided by a sophisticated system of sensors and algorithms that continuously analyse the surrounding environment. During testing, the shuttle successfully navigates complex scenarios such as:

• Traffic lights and crossings
• Simulated construction zones
• Bus stops and pedestrian areas

Currently, the system is capable of handling approximately 93% of real-life situations autonomously, with ongoing improvements aimed at reaching full operational capacity.

The shuttle can carry up to nine passengers and operate for six to nine hours continuously, depending on energy use. Its quiet, smooth movement and precise decision-making have already impressed many of the citizens who participated in the test rides.

Public interest and social acceptance

The response from the local community has been overwhelmingly positive. More than 600 people registered to experience the shuttle, ranging from very young passengers to elderly residents.

Beyond the technological aspect, the project strongly focuses on social acceptance. Researchers, including partners such as the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, are studying how people perceive and trust autonomous mobility solutions. This human-centred approach is essential: innovation is not only about technology, but also about ensuring that communities feel confident, safe, and included in the transition.

Despite the technological readiness, the widespread deployment of autonomous buses still faces significant regulatory and bureaucratic barriers.

In Germany, autonomous vehicles are not yet authorised for regular public transport without strict conditions. Even limited testing on public roads can involve substantial administrative costs, making experimentation difficult for smaller municipalities. As a result, the Bad Schönborn pilot currently operates on private land, highlighting the gap between technological capability and regulatory frameworks.

A vision for the future of local mobility

Local authorities see strong potential for autonomous transport, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, where traditional public transport services often face limitations.

Autonomous shuttles could:

• Address driver shortages
• Improve connectivity in remote areas
• Provide flexible, on-demand mobility solutions
• Reduce operational costs in the long term

While full integration into public transport systems may still take time, projects like GINEVRA are crucial in testing, refining, and demonstrating what is possible.

This initiative reflects a broader European ambition: to develop sustainable, innovative, and inclusive mobility systems.

By combining technological experimentation with real-life testing and citizen engagement, the project contributes to:

• Evidence-based policymaking
• Smarter urban and regional planning
• Stronger cooperation between public authorities, research institutions, and private actors

The experience of Bad Schönborn shows that the future of mobility is not a distant concept, but something that is already being tested today. However, the path forward requires more than technology alone. It demands adapted regulations, public trust, and strong multi-level cooperation, areas where organisations like ALDA+ play a key role in bridging innovation, governance, and community engagement.

As Europe continues to invest in smart mobility, small municipalities like Bad Schönborn are proving that innovation can start anywhere and have an impact everywhere.

The final conference of the 3P4SSE project, held on 24 March 2026, brought together project partners, regional authorities, EU representatives, and social economy practitioners from across Central Europe. It concluded the three-year initiative to strengthen the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) through improved governance, cooperation models, and cross-border exchange, while outlining future perspectives.

The event was formally opened and brought to a close by Luciano Galetti, representing the Lead Partner (Autonomous Province of Trento) in his capacity as Director of the Territorial Cohesion Office and 3P4SSE Project Manager.

Opening the event, Gregorio Vichi from the Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE Joint Secretariat noted that more than 700 stakeholders contributed to the project, sharing their views on the value of cooperation to support Europe’s transformation and cohesion. He outlined the project’s focus on testing public–private partnerships (PPP), implementing pilot actions, ensuring long-term sustainability, and presenting upcoming programme opportunities. Building on this introduction, Luca Scolfaro of the LINKS Foundation highlighted that SSE systems are shaped by institutional frameworks, historical welfare models, and evolving European policies, including the Social Economy Action Plan and EU enlargement. Within this context, the project developed a methodology to harmonise definitions, map social actors, and translate findings into Local Action Plans. Social procurement emerged as a key tool for embedding social impact into public contracts. This strategic framing paved the way for presenting the concrete territorial solutions developed across the participating countries.

The first example, from the Autonomous Province of Trento and the Trentino Federation for Cooperation, focused on mapping the local potential of the solidarity economy. By combining a 30-year review of PPP experiences with participatory mapping, dialogue platforms, and co-management tools, the initiative strengthened collaboration among institutions, civil society, and citizens. 

A similarly structured approach was illustrated by the Croatian pilot led by the National Foundation for Civil Society Development. The process began with policy assessment, ecosystem mapping, and co-design workshops. It then progressed to capacity-building activities, the creation of a digital platform for social enterprises, and the integration of SSE priorities into regional policies. The activation phase translated these efforts into practice through a call supporting 12 initiatives, youth engagement in schools, and mentoring schemes for emerging entrepreneurs. Finally, the establishment of a knowledge platform and the institutional recognition of SSE marked a transition towards long-term consolidation. 

While Croatia followed a phased approach, Slovenia presented two complementary solutions for distinct territorial contexts. In urban Maribor, the ZDRAVKA platform unified 80 previously fragmented social programmes into a coordinated, digitally supported network embedded in the regional Welfare Strategy, with plans to expand across the Podravje region. In parallel, the rural initiative Živo Gnezdo applied a “Community Spiral” methodology to stabilise local innovation, bringing together 34 providers under a shared framework and strengthening PPP collaboration. 

The Hungarian pilot tackled structural challenges, including fragmentation, limited funding, and low visibility of SSE actors. Formalising cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding and integrating the platform into the Szombathely 2030 Strategy marked key steps toward institutionalisation.

In Poland, ARLEG implemented a structured roadmap combining regional analysis, capacity-building, and promotional activities. Emphasis was placed on socially responsible public procurement, supported by the “Buy Socially” campaign and a Social Purchase Mark. A Letter of Intent formalised stakeholder commitment, with expected outcomes including enhanced competencies, greater visibility of SSE actors, and durable public-private partnerships.

Following the territorial presentations, the SSE Network was introduced to sustain results and foster cross-border cooperation, with Trento-based governance, a three-year membership, and a digital platform offering resources and networking tools. Capacity building remained central, with FAB’s joint curriculum, developed through assessments, training, workshops, and feedback, strengthening SSE competencies in sustainability, communication, social innovation, and stakeholder engagement beyond the project’s duration. Complementing these achievements, Gianluca Salvatori of EURICSE highlighted that SSE credibility relies on aligned governance, evidence-based approaches, and strong local ownership, demonstrating the value of a flexible “family of solutions” while identifying opportunities to strengthen monitoring, stabilise funding, and sustain long-term momentum.

At the European policy level, Commission representatives highlighted initiatives like 3P4SSE in supporting small projects and addressing brain drain, inequality, and care-service gaps. Katarina Ivankovic-Knezevic, Director for Social Rights and Inclusion at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs, and Inclusion, introduced the forthcoming “Care Deal” on long-term care, childcare, and informal carers, stressing continuity beyond project funding, while the policy officer Baptiste Mandouze noted the sector’s 4.3 million organisations and ESF+ funding opportunities. Sara Casillo, Permanent manager – ESF Planning and Implementation Sector at Tecnostruttura, highlighted the role of Italian regions, noting that while ESF+ remains central, emerging EU priorities call for maintaining a strong Cohesion Fund in future frameworks.

The conference concluded with Social Economy Europe stressing democratic governance, active participation, regional involvement in Cohesion Fund processes, and social cohesion. Overall, 3P4SSE delivered territorial solutions, a shared framework, and a cross-border network, underscoring that long-term governance, evidence-based planning, and local ownership are key to consolidating SSE in Central Europe. 

On 5 February in Brussels, the Final Conference of the GreenScape CE project brought together cities, practitioners, researchers and EU institutions to reflect on how nature-based solutions (NbS) can move beyond isolated pilot actions and become a structural component of urban planning and cohesion policy in Central Europe. Organised within the framework of the Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE Programme, the event marked a key moment for taking stock of lessons learned and discussing how to scale up climate adaptation efforts in urban areas increasingly exposed to environmental risks, health pressures and demographic change.

Throughout the conference, a shared understanding emerged: urban areas are on the frontline of climate change, and nature-based solutions must be treated as a strategic response rather than an optional add-on. Speakers consistently highlighted the need to recognise NbS as core urban infrastructure, capable of delivering multiple long-term benefits — from flood prevention and heat mitigation to improved public health and social wellbeing — when embedded into planning, investment and governance frameworks.

This perspective was reinforced by contributions from EU-level representatives and local authorities alike, who stressed that climate adaptation is no longer the responsibility of a single “green” department. Instead, it requires cross-sectoral coordination, political ownership and a shared narrative that connects environmental objectives with mobility, public space, health and social inclusion. In this sense, the conference programme reflected a growing maturity in how cities approach climate resilience, moving from sectoral experimentation to integrated urban strategies.

A central theme running through the discussions was the importance of transnational cooperation. Within the Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE context, cooperation was repeatedly framed not as a supplementary value, but as a necessary condition for addressing complex challenges such as climate change. By enabling comparison across territories, sharing evidence and aligning methodologies, cooperation allows successful approaches to be transferred, adapted and sustained beyond individual project lifecycles.

The GreenScape CE project offered concrete examples of how this transition from pilots to systemic change can be supported in practice. Particular attention was given to the role of analytical and decision-support tools, such as the project’s visual mapping platform, designed to support evidence-based planning of nature-based solutions. By integrating spatial, climate, health and demographic data into an accessible interface, the platform helps local authorities, planners and citizens navigate complexity and embed NbS into everyday decision-making processes.

At the same time, the conference placed strong emphasis on meaningful citizen participation as a cornerstone of successful urban greening. Experiences shared by project partners illustrated how co-creation processes, hackathons and awareness-raising tools can empower residents to engage with urban nature and contribute local knowledge that complements technical expertise. Participation was presented not only as a democratic principle, but as a practical asset that strengthens the relevance, acceptance and long-term impact of NbS interventions — an approach strongly aligned with the contribution of ALDA+ within the project.

---

Scaling nature-based solutions requires treating urban greening as a shared responsibility, combining technical expertise, political commitment and meaningful citizen participation

---

Looking ahead, several interventions underlined that mainstreaming nature-based solutions also depends on skills development and workforce upskilling. The emergence of new professional profiles, such as climate-resilient urban greening specialists, was highlighted as a key enabler for ensuring that NbS can be properly designed, implemented and maintained over time. Investing in skills was presented as an essential step towards making urban greening “business as usual”, rather than a series of short-term initiatives.

The conference also addressed the persistent challenges linked to financing and governance. Discussions pointed to the need for clearer business models, blended public–private funding and stronger political backing to ensure that proven solutions can inform wider investment strategies, including cohesion policy and EU climate adaptation frameworks. Without appropriate financial structures and institutional anchoring, speakers warned, the risk remains that successful pilots fail to reach the scale required to generate systemic change.

These reflections converged in the final roundtable discussion, which focused explicitly on how to move from pilots to policy. Participants agreed that scaling up nature-based solutions requires not only technical evidence, but also governance models capable of bridging local, regional and European levels. Strong leadership, policy coherence and capitalisation of project results were identified as decisive factors for ensuring that investments in urban nature are not lost, but instead become an integral part of long-term development strategies.

The GreenScape CE Final Conference concluded with a forward-looking reflection on the project’s legacy. Beyond its pilots, tools and methodologies, GreenScape CE has contributed to a broader shift in how cities across Central Europe conceive and govern urban nature. By connecting cooperation, participation, skills and finance, the project offers a transferable pathway for turning climate ambition into durable and inclusive urban transformation.

[If you are interested in the course in Italian, please click here. Se sei interessat* al corso in lingua italiana, clicca qui.]

Would you like to work with European Projects but don’t know where to start? Or are you looking to strengthen your skills in the field?

Join the new Project Cycle Management Course by ALDA+ Academy – registrations are now open!

This autumn, benefit from more than 30 years of ALDA Academy’s experience in European project design and management through a comprehensive training programme available in both English and Italian.

---

What to expect

Following the success of previous editions, the course has been further refined based on participants’ feedback to provide an even more practical and effective learning experience.

The course will take place online, twice a week:

• 6–27 October (English)
• 3–24 November (Italian)

Across 7 interactive sessions (21 hours), participants will explore the entire Project Cycle Management process: from identifying funding opportunities and designing a strong proposal to budgeting, communication, implementation, and project management.

Using the Logical Framework Approach, the methodology widely adopted for European and international projects, participants will gain practical tools to transform ideas into well-structured, impactful projects.

Combining theory with hands-on exercises, individual assignments and group work, the course is led by experienced professionals in EU funding and project management/design, ensuring participants develop practical skills that can be immediately applied in their professional context.

Whether you are a student, professional, NGO representative, public servant, social or cultural worker, or simply interested in developing expertise in European projects, no previous experience is required.

Take the next step in your professional journey and gain the knowledge, confidence and practical skills to successfully design and manage European projects.

---

Calendar of the lessons (ENG)

Date	Time	Lesson
October 6	10:00 CEST	Module 1 – The European Union and its Funding System: An Introduction
October 8	10:00 CEST	Module 2 – Project Cycle Management and the Logical Framework Approach (Part 1)
October 13	10:00 CEST	Module 3 – Project Cycle Management and the Logical Framework Approach (Part 2)
October 15	10:00 CEST	Module 4 – How to Prepare a High-Quality Project Proposal (Part 1)
October 20	10:00 CEST	Module 5 – How to Prepare a High-Quality Project Proposal (Part 2)
October 22	10:00 CET	Module 6 – Project Management and Communication and Dissemination
October 27	10:00 CET	Module 7 – Budgeting during the Project Design and Implementation phases

If you are interested in the course held in Italian, please click here.

---

What you’ll receive

• At the end of the course, participants who attend at least 80% of the sessions will receive an attendance certificate.
• You’ll also become part of the ALDA+ Alumni Network, where you can stay connected with fellow participants and receive updates on training opportunities, EU funding calls, events, and more.
• Can’t attend every session? No problem! All participants can request access to the recordings and presentation slides, allowing you to catch up at your own pace.

---

Price

The course fee is €480 (VAT included).

Take advantage of our available discounts:

• 🐦 Early Bird: Register by 25 September 2026 and receive a 10% discount.
• 🤝 ALDA Members: All ALDA members are entitled to a 10% discount.
• 🎓 Students (under 26): Students aged under 26 benefit from a 10% discount.

Please note that discounts cannot be combined.

---

Application deadlines

Don’t miss your chance to join!

🇮🇹 Italian course: Apply by 23 October 2026

🇬🇧 English course: Apply by 2 October 2026

Ready to apply? Write to us at training@aldaplus.it

On 5 February 2026, the GreenScape CE Final Conference will take place in Brussels, marking the conclusion of 30 months of transnational cooperation under the Interreg Central Europe Programme. The event will bring together representatives of European institutions, city administrations, regional agencies, research organisations and civil society to reflect on how Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and Green Infrastructure (GI) can support more resilient, inclusive and climate-ready cities across Central Europe.

Hosted at the Belgian-Italian Chamber of Commerce, the conference represents a key moment to capitalise on the results of the GreenScape CE project and to connect local innovation with wider European policy discussions.

Supporting climate-proof urban transformation

Throughout its implementation, GreenScape CE has supported cities and regions in integrating NbS and green infrastructure into urban governance, planning and investment frameworks. The project focused on bridging the gap between climate adaptation strategies and practical implementation, promoting nature-based approaches as effective responses to challenges such as urban heat stress, climate risks, public space regeneration and complex governance environments.

As part of this effort, pilot actions were implemented in five Central European cities, testing innovative solutions and participatory approaches tailored to local contexts. These pilots demonstrated how NbS can deliver multiple benefits — environmental, social and economic — when embedded into decision-making processes and supported by appropriate governance tools.

Practical tools for cities and public authorities

Beyond local experimentation, GreenScape CE has developed a comprehensive set of strategic and technical tools to support replication and long-term uptake. These include:

• a Visual Mapping Platform presenting the pilot actions and their impacts; 
• technical and tendering guidelines for implementing NbS and green infrastructure; 
• a financing handbook designed for public project developers; 
• citizen-oriented awareness and co-creation tools to strengthen participation and ownership. 

The Final Conference will showcase these outputs, offering participants an overview of the project’s concrete results and the lessons learned from transnational cooperation.

A programme focused on impact and scalability

The conference programme will open with a high-level plenary session, featuring contributions from the project’s Lead Partner REGEA, the Interreg Central Europe Joint Secretariat, representatives of EU institutions and pilot cities.

Participants will then be invited to explore the project’s achievements through a virtual tour of the pilot cities, using the Visual Mapping Platform as an interactive storytelling and learning tool.

Thematic exchanges will follow, focusing on how Nature-based Solutions contribute to:

• public health and wellbeing,
• green skills and capacity building,
• effective and inclusive governance,
• innovative financing approaches,
• citizen engagement and co-creation. 

A central moment of the event will be the Forward Dialogue Roundtable, entitled “From Pilots to Policy: Scaling Nature-Based Urban Transformation in Central Europe”. This discussion will bring together cities, European networks and EU-level stakeholders to explore future policy pathways, replication opportunities and the role of NbS in shaping Europe’s urban transition.

Looking beyond the project lifecycle

The conference will conclude with the presentation of the GreenScape CE legacy, outlining next steps for sustaining and scaling the project’s results beyond its formal end. In line with the Interreg Central Europe Programme’s core principle that “Cooperation is Central”, the event will emphasise the importance of continued collaboration to address shared urban and climate challenges.

Event details

• Date: Wednesday, 5 February 2026
• Time: 09:00–14:00 (including a networking lunch)
• Venue: Belgian-Italian Chamber of Commerce, Rue de la Loi 26, Brussels
• Format: Hybrid (In-person & Online)

Participants are invited to register. The agenda is here and registration details are available on the project website here.

On 7–8 May 2025, the city of Cesena, Italy, hosted the fifth GINEVRA Partner Meeting, bringing together project partners at a crucial moment in the lead-up to the project’s final implementation phase. The meeting provided an important space to review progress on autonomous vehicle (AV) pilots, refine governance and engagement strategies, and strengthen coordination ahead of upcoming demonstration activities.

From the perspective of ALDA+, the Cesena meeting highlighted once again the importance of connecting technological innovation with inclusive governance, effective communication, and local institutional capacity.

---

Advancing AV governance and preparing demonstrations

The first day of the meeting took place at the Comune di Cesena and focused on technical and strategic updates across GINEVRA’s core activities. Partners shared progress on demo site preparations in Cesena, Varaždin, and Bad Schönborn, with a dedicated coordination session moderated by TU Wien to align timelines and expectations for the upcoming implementation phase.

Discussions also covered advancements under Work Package 2, with partners exchanging insights from ongoing stakeholder and citizen engagement activities. These exchanges reinforced the project’s shared understanding that governance frameworks and public dialogue must evolve alongside technical development.

In this context, ALDA+ led a dedicated session on risk and emergency communication, underlining the role of clear, timely, and responsive messaging as autonomous mobility pilots move closer to real-world testing. The session emphasised that public trust, transparency, and preparedness are essential components of responsible innovation in urban mobility.

---

Transnational perspectives on autonomous mobility

The second day moved to the historic Biblioteca Malatestiana, a UNESCO-recognised cultural landmark that provided a symbolic backdrop for discussions on the relationship between heritage and innovation. The Transnational Seminar, titled “State of the Art and Perspectives for AV in Europe”, brought together contributions from TU Wien, inBlenda, and EMFIE, offering both European and global perspectives on regulatory frameworks, case studies, and future pathways for autonomous vehicle deployment.

The setting itself invited reflection on how cities can balance respect for historical identity with forward-looking urban transformation. A guided visit of the Biblioteca followed, reinforcing the meeting’s central theme: innovation is most sustainable when it is embedded within local context and shared values.

---

Moving towards final implementation

The Cesena Partner Meeting marked an important milestone as GINEVRA moves decisively into its final implementation phase. With demonstration activities approaching, the exchanges helped clarify roles, strengthen collaboration among partners, and align expectations on governance tools and capitalisation strategies.

For ALDA+, this phase is particularly significant in ensuring that project results translate into practical, accessible, and transferable governance solutions for local authorities across Central Europe. By integrating technical expertise with participatory approaches and strategic communication, GINEVRA continues to demonstrate how cities can responsibly manage the challenges and opportunities of autonomous mobility.

A warm thank you goes to the Comune di Cesena for hosting the meeting and providing an inspiring setting for dialogue, as well as to all project partners for their continued commitment and collaboration.