Organised by the EERA Joint Programme on Smart Cities (JP‑SC) and ENEA, this workshop takes place at a time when urban transitions are no longer a distant goal, they are the foundation on which Europe’s future is being shaped. In a fast-evolving policy landscape, cities stand at the frontline of the green, digital, and social transformations defining the years ahead.

The event will be held in a hybrid format, allowing participation both in person and online. The deadline for registration is September 5.

We sincerely hope to welcome many of you in Brussels to take full advantage of the networking and collaborative opportunities. Should you choose to follow online, you will receive the link to join the event after completing your registration.

Over two days, the workshop will offer space for open and forward-looking dialogue. The participation of Mr Akis Kyriacou, from the Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto, European Commission will launch a strategic reflection on the development of an ambitious and unprecedented Agenda of the Cities in Europe, a shared strategic and operational direction, mandated at the highest level and jointly shaped by the European Commission, Member States, and cities themselves.

Although the EU holds no formal competence on urban policy, this initiative marks a historic turning point. For the first time, a European Commission Vice-President has been tasked with advancing a common urban agenda, not as a new EU policy, but as a collaborative framework to align regulations, funding, and priorities across all levels of governance.

Cities are no longer only implementers, they are co-authors of Europe’s transition. This agenda supports their efforts to address complex societal and climate challenges while reinforcing their central role in shaping Europe’s long-term strategic direction.

Bringing together institutional perspectives and local experiences, the workshop will foster exchange, collaboration, and mapping. From energy systems to digital infrastructure and urban resilience, participants will explore synergies and contribute to building a coherent research and innovation pathway that empowers the cities of tomorrow.