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Cities

Apr 06 2022
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Cities as Places of Hope- Resilient Cities

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Project Background

 ‘Cities as Places of Hope’ was launched in 2019. The project aimed at fostering progressive city networks to achieve a fairer, greener Europe. Bringing together political, civil, and economic actors, the partner foundations discussed how these networks could gain more power at a European level, particularly to develop a positive narrative for the future of Europe. The project also provided a space to connect with and support engaged citizens in developing urban commons and democratic innovation.  

Project Objectives and Activities

The resilient cities project is about imagining cities that enable fair, sustainable, and caring coexistence worldwide. Our imaginations allow us to roam across histories, places, emerging ideas, and established practices; but also to question them.

European cities today remain too often the centres of unbridled consumption, ecological destruction and exclusion. Likewise, they are the places where people come together to think radically differently, where they act together, and where new cities (or new ways of inhabiting them) emerge from the collaboration of innovative citizens.

Among other initiatives, as part of this project, we will publish a Resilient Cities Framing paper. This report takes the potentiality of new ideas and practices as its starting point, exploring concepts such as the foundational economy and provisioning systems. It brings distinct possibilities together within a broader framework of thinking, linking it to concrete actions. What does a city that cares for its inhabitants and connectedness look like? A city that encourages us to look after one another but also for the earth and the environment? How do we shape an urban space that recognises everyone’s needs? With this paper, we want to show that the city we imagine is actually not so far away. The possibilities are there, we just need to find them. This paper intends to set the path for the search.

Audiovisual Material (2021)

Jan 19 2021
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Cities as Places of Hope w/ Sanna Vesikansa

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Context

Part of the ‘Cities as Places of Hope’ series; a project launched in 2019 focusing on progressive city networks that are a key factor in the development of a positive narrative on the future of Europe. The project brings together partners from Spain, Croatia, Belgium, North Macedonia and Turkey.

 

About The Event

Together with Oikos and other European think tanks and foundations,  we’re shedding light on transformative green cities in Europe as engines of transition.
On 28 January at 15h we give the floor to Sanna Vesikansa who, as green Vice-Mayor of Helsinki, is campaigning for ambitious climate targets, mental health care and healthy food in the fight against inequality, among other things.

 

Practicalities

Language: English.
Please register via info@oikos.be and pay as you like:
Account number BE07 8901 5430 1466 (BIC: VDSP BE 91 – vdk bank).
Account name: Oikos Denktank.
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This event is organised by the Green European Foundation with the support of Oikos Think Tank and with the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. The European Parliament is not responsible for the content of this webinar.
Feb 10 2020
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Cities as Places of Hope II

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Project Background

Despite increasing divisions and the rise of right-wing forces on the European and national scenes, many European cities are pursuing a progressive, positive and transnationally networked vision.  

Building upon the expertise gained in the implementation of previous transnational projects on Urban Commons, the ‘Cities as Places of Hope’ project was launched in 2019 and focusses on these progressive city networks that are a key factor in the development for a positive narrative on the future of Europe. Bringing together political, civil, and economic actors, the partner foundations discuss how these networks can gain more power at the European level, particularly to develop a positive narrative for the future of Europe. The project is also providing a connected space to support engaged citizens in developing urban commons and democratic innovation.  

Project Objectives and Activities

The 2020 edition of the project focused on a few countries and showed there is great potential, with greens getting stronger and stronger at the city level. They even boast a presence in countries in East- and South-Europe where they underperform at national level, giving an important opportunity to build up. In order to further explore and exchange on transformative local practices and their potential to reinforce the green family, project partners will conduct research into inspiring transformative policies in cities where greens are present, will document these successes and organise events across Europe ‘In Search of the Green City.’  

In 2021 we aimed to build on the last two years of the project which focused on progressive city networks and their transformative power in developing a positive narrative of the future of Europe and supporting engaged citizens in developing urban commons and democratic innovation. 

Our partners are meeting  in selected green cities to organise seminars with local green actors based on the question: Do green cities have universal policies or core values? In autumn the project will continue with an inspiring public event in each country with a title ‘Talking about a Green City’ bringing together the broader green family of activists, members Green parties, civil society, new urban actors and the broader public. 

Project Outputs

As part of Cities of Hope II, the project partners developed the following articles as inspiring examples of transformative city initiatives:

Audiovisual Material (2021)

Deep-dive into different perspectives

Jan 30 2020
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Cities as Places of Hope

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Project Background

Despite increasing divisions and the rise of right-wing forces on the European and national scenes, many European cities are pursuing a progressive, positive and transnationally networked vision.  

Building upon the expertise gained in the implementation of previous transnational projects on Urban Commons, the ‘Cities as Places of Hope’ project was launched in 2019 and focusses on these progressive city networks that are a key factor in the development for a positive narrative on the future of Europe. Bringing together political, civil, and economic actors, the partner foundations discuss how these networks can gain more power at the European level, particularly to develop a positive narrative for the future of Europe. The project is also providing a connected space to support engaged citizens in developing urban commons and democratic innovation.  

Project Objectives and Activities

The 2019 edition of the project focused on a few countries and showed there is great potential, with greens getting stronger and stronger at the city level. They even boast a presence in countries in East- and South-Europe where they underperform at national level, giving an important opportunity to build up. In order to further explore and exchange on transformative local practices and their potential to reinforce the green family, project partners will conduct research into inspiring transformative policies in cities where greens are present, will document these successes and organise events across Europe ‘In Search of the Green City.’ 

Jan 30 2020
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A Charter for the Smart City II

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Project Background

All over Europe, so-called ‘smart cities’ are the testing grounds for new technologies that affect how we live, how we organise our societies and what our ethical foundation is. These technologies often involve the use of big data and devices that can act with a degree of autonomy. The development of new technologies therefore cannot be left to engineers and managers; it requires public debate and democratic control. Given the opportunities that new technologies offer for reducing the ecological footprint of cities and creating new urban commons, as well as the potential threats they pose to civil liberties and social justice, GEF aims to stimulate the debate on smart cities. Key questions must be considered: who owns the data collected? Which decisions can we responsibly outsource to algorithms? 

Project Objectives and Activities

To this end, GEF has developed, with the support of its partners, a Charter for the Smart City, consisting of guiding principles that will make it easier for green European politicians and activists to assess and steer technological innovations in their cities. Throughout 2019, ideas were solicited digitally and through events across Europe, including best practises from NGOs, experts and local green politicians, as well as from GEF partner foundations and other Green European actors. Many of the issues that the Charter deals with, such as algorithmic discrimination, automated facial recognition and smart mobility, will rise in prominence in the coming years. 

 

The Charter

 

Read the charter now: smartcitycharter.eu

In Dutch, French, German or Czech

 

What is the charter? Why do we need it?

 

Podcast: Introduction to Digital City

Listen to tales from the same city, as citizens experience the digital transformations in daily life.

 

Organise! Object! Outsmart the Paradigm!

Read this publication and use it to learn about smart cities with an added Eastern European perspective, have some fun along the way and feel empowered enough to promote the critical solutions for smart city implementation in your city!

Read now

 

 

 

Webinars

 

Take a deep dive on our previous live events. Hear experts discuss citizen scoring, air quality monitoring, smart grids and more.

Jun 11 2019
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Summer School – Youth and the City: Young People for Fair and Green Cities (Prague)

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About the Event

Green European Foudnation partner Cooperation and Development Network Eastern, alongside Alternative Urbanisation Working Group, are announcing a call for Participants for the summer school “Youth and the City: Young People for Fair and Green Cities”.

The Summer School aims to conceptualise and promote the model of sustainable and democratic cities among active young people in the Central and Eastern Europe and provide them with tools for reclaiming their cities.

The aims and objectives of the project are:

  • To create a space for youth to discuss the concept and role of Alternative Urbanisation in shaping the future of the cities;
  • To empower young people to use the city as a platform for doing local, Green and alternative politics;
  • To create a toolkit of positive practices and methods of influencing politics on a very local level.

Practicalities

The event will take place from 5th to 9th of August in Prague ( 4th and 10th are travel dates to and from Prague.)

Language: The main language of this activity will be English. But not being comfortable interacting in English should not prevent you from applying, the majority at the event will be non-native speakers and the group will be able to help out if there is some term you might not know!

Costs: The full cost of working materials, visa and lodging (accommodation in multi-bed rooms, vegetarian food, and refreshments) during the event will be covered by the organizers. In exchange, we ask for a participation fee of 20 EUR for participants coming from non-EU countries and 30 EUR for participants coming from EU countries.

Accommodation, food, working space, travel and visa costs for participants will be fully covered. For selection of travel means we encourage participants to combine the most economic and environmentally friendly way (lowest price + travel time + CO2 emissions).

Programme

The programme for this event can be found here.

*All references to Kosovo, whether to the territory, institutions or population, in this text shall be understood in full compliance with the United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1244 and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo.

May 03 2019
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Roundtable on Smart Cities (Oslo)

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Event Background

This round table discussion is to be held as part of the transnational project A Charter for the Smart City, which aims to formulate guiding principles that help politicians to assess and steer technological innovations in European cities.

About the Event

Taking place as part of the European Green Party’s Local Councillors Conference “Cities for the Future – The Green Way” , the roundtable will draw upon the expertise of politicians and representatives from NGOs, trade unions, and technology sectors to collect examples of best practices from across Europe.

This will contribute to the development of a Charter, one which addresses the opportunities that new technologies offer for reducing the ecological footprint of cities and creating new urban commons, while also addressing the threats they might present to civil liberties and social justice.

The roundtable is an invitation-only event.

May 03 2019
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The Right to Housing (Zagreb)

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Event Background

Under the title “City (Un)Defeated. Streams of struggle” the 29th edition of the International Network for Urban Research and Action annual conference will take place in Zagreb, Croatia, from 30th June to 3rd July. INURA 19 will bring together members of its network – consisting of activists and researchers from community and environmental groups, universities, and local administrations, who wish to share experiences and to participate in common research.

Focusing on the topic of transformative cities as one of its thematic priorities, the Green European Foundation aims to support the emergence of trans-local networks and urban spaces as breeding ground for progressive policies, and will be present at the conference to this end.

About the event

Besides being present throughout the conference with an info stand, GEF will host, together with the support of the Institute for Political Ecology, a public panel in the evening of Monday, 1st July, to address one of the most pressing issues among urban activists all over Europe: the right to housing.

In the framework of the transnational project on Cities as Places of Hope in the European Union, challenges around urban housing as well as possible alternative pathways for the future will be addressed with experts and activists from all over Europe.

Speakers

Marko Aksentijević, Roof over one’s head, Belgrade

Philipp Klaus, Kraftwerk 1, Zurich

Petra Rodik, Faculty of humanities and Social sciences, Zagreb

Ulrike Hamman, Kotti&Co, Berlin

Iva Marčetić, Right to the city, Zagreb

Moderator: Tomislav Tomašević, Institute for Political Ecology, Zagreb

For updates on the programme and practicalities, watch this space or check the INURA 19 website.

Mar 19 2019
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Creating Socio-Ecological Societies Through Urban Commons Transitions

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This framing paper is the closing publication of the Green European Foundation’s transnational project Creating Socio-Ecological Societies Through Urban Commons Transitions, which focused on urban spaces as a driving force towards socio-ecological societies and as a hub of transformative policies.

Written by Dirk Holemans & Kati Van de Velde from GEF partner Oikos, this paper explores the new roles of cities in our society and their potential for collaboration as urban commons.

The work of GEF on Urban Commons will continue with the 2019 transnational project Cities as Places of Hope in the European Union.

Mar 18 2019
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Roundtable on Smart Cities (Utrecht)

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Event Background

This workshop is to be held as part of the transnational project A Charter for the Smart City, which aims to formulate guiding principles that help politicians to assess and steer technological innovations in European cities.

About the Event

This workshop will draw from examples of best practices from across Europe to contribute to the development of a Charter, one which addresses the opportunities that new technologies offer for reducing the ecological footprint of cities and creating new urban commons, while also addressing the threats they might present to civil liberties and social justice.

The workshop will be chaired by former Dutch Member of the European Parliament Judith Sargentini and feature Jules van Hal, online campaigner of GroenLinks and former journalist, as rapporteur.

Programme

12.00-12.15: Welcome

12.15-12.30: Opening and introduction

12.30-14.30: First round of discussion – all participants get the chance to give their input on the draft charter

14.30-15.00: Break

15.00-16.55: Second round of discussion – In-depth discussion of crucial or controversial issues in the draft charter

16.55-17.00: Closing remarks

The event will be followed by networking drinks and dinner for the participants,

This event is closed and for invited participants only. For more information on the draft charter, visit www.smartcitycharter.eu 

Mar 18 2019
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Roundtable on Smart Cities (Oxford)

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Event Background

This round table discussion is to be held as part of the transnational project A Charter for the Smart City, which aims to formulate guiding principles that help politicians to assess and steer technological innovations in European cities.

About the Event

Drawing upon the expertise politicians and representatives from NGOs, trade unions, and technology sectors, the event will collect examples of best practices from across Europe to contribute to the development of a Charter, one which addresses the opportunities that new technologies offer for reducing the ecological footprint of cities and creating new urban commons, while also addressing the threats they might present to civil liberties and social justice.

Programme

11.00-11.40:  Welcome and introduction by Richard Wouters (Wetenschappelijk Bureau GroenLinks – De Helling)

11.40-13.00: Group discussions on smart cities: Which values are at stake? Do we need new rules? If so, which ones?

13.00-14.00: Lunch

14.00-14.30: Panel discussion on the draft Charter for the Smart City with Martin Fodor (green councillor Bristol, rapporteur on smart cities of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, Council of Europe), Richard Wouters, and others

14.30-15.55: Roundtable discussion on principles of the charter, identification of gaps, local implementation, green character, practical examples

15.55-16.00: Closing remarks

After the roundtable there will be space for informal networking.

Registration

Registration is open to all, but spaces are limited to approx. 30 people. Please register via the registration form found on this website page. 

Jan 31 2019
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Roundtable on Smart Cities (Brno)

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Event Background

This invitation-only workshop is the second event to be be held as part of the 2019 transnational project A Charter for the Smart City, which aims to create a charter to assess and steer technological innovations in European cities.

About the Event

Following on from the first workshop held in Brussels in March, in which EU-level actors contributed to the drafting of the proposed charter, this closed workshop will take place in Brno, Czech Republic and will focus on the input of contributors from Central and Eastern Europe. It will be chaired by GEF board member Michal Berg.

Invitees will include experts from academic fields and technology sectors, as well as politicians, from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, and other parts of the region.

The aim is to draw upon the invitees’ expertise to eventually develop a Charter, which addresses the opportunities that new technologies offer for reducing the ecological footprint of cities and creating new urban commons, but also the threats they may present to civil liberties and social justice.

The event will be divided into two main sessions:

  • Firstly, all experts will have the opportunity to comment on the draft version of the charter and feed into it.
  • In a second session, the workshop will focus on the most controversial issues identified in the first part and provide space for more in-depth discussions.

 

Organised by the Green European Foundation, with the support of Institute for Active Citizenship.

Jan 31 2019
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Roundtable on Smart Cities (Brussels)

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Event Background

This invitation-only workshop is the first event to be be held as part of the 2019 transnational project A Charter for the Smart City, which aims to create a charter to assess and steer technological innovations in European cities.

 About the Event

Bringing together politicians and representatives from NGOs, trade unions, and technology sectors, this closed workshop in Brussels, Belgium, will act as a starting point for the project by exploring the opportunities and challenges of Smart Cities.

Chaired by GEF board member & Oikos coordinator Dirk Holemans, the workshop will draw upon the expertise of the attendees to identify what is needed on an EU level, build a network of contacts and inform the drafting process of the charter.

The event will be divided into two main sessions:

  • Firstly, all experts will have the opportunity to comment on the draft version of the charter and feed into it.
  • In a second session, the workshop will focus on the most controversial issues identified in the first part and provide space for more in-depth discussions.

Organised by the Green European Foundation, with the support of Bureau de Helling and the logisitical support of Oikos.

Jan 31 2019
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A Charter for the Smart City

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Project Background

People make technology, but technology in turn influences our lives, our societies and even our ethics. The development of new technologies therefore cannot be left to engineers and managers; it requires public debate and democratic control.

All over Europe, so-called ‘smart cities’ are the testing grounds for new technologies that affect how we live. These technologies often involve the use of big data and devices that can act with a degree of autonomy.

Many local politicians find it hard to keep up to speed with the technologies being used in their cities, let alone make informed choices during the development and implementation of these technologies. This needs to change.

Given the opportunities that new technologies offer for reducing the ecological footprint of cities and creating new urban commons, as well as the potential threats they pose to civil liberties and social justice, Greens should take the lead in the debate on smart cities. Key questions must be considered: who owns the data collected? Which decisions can we responsibly outsource to algorithms?

Project Objectives and Activities

This transnational project aims to create a Charter for the Smart City, consisting of 10-20 guiding principles that will make it easier for green European politicians and activists to assess and steer technological innovations in their cities.

The Charter will draw inspiration from the values of the European Green Party Charter, as well as one that Bureau de Helling is writing for Dutch cities in 2018.

The project partners will solicit ideas for the Charter, including best practices from NGOs, experts and local green politicians, as well as from GEF partner foundations and from other actors of the European Green family through roundtable discussions across Europe.

The Charter – a co-creation

Besides the events, this transnational project also incorporated a digital exchange of ideas. The draft Charter for the Smart City with best practices from many European cities was open for comments online until mid-August 2019. Head to www.smartcitycharter.eu to see the result.

At the end of the year, the Charter will also be published as a booklet.

 

Jan 31 2019
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Cities as Places of Hope in the European Union

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Project Background

Despite increasing divisions and the rise of right-wing forces on the European and national scenes, many European cities are pursuing a progressive, positive and transnationally networked vision.

Cities are organising themselves increasingly in trans-local networks, such as Energy Cities, Fearless Cities, and Food Cities. As such, this type of governance is becoming all the more relevant at a transnational level in Europe.

Project Objectives and Activities

Building upon the expertise gained in the implementation of previous transnational projects on Urban Commons, the ‘Cities as Places of Hope in the European Union’ project will focus on these progressive city networks that are a key factor in the development for a positive narrative on the future of Europe.

Bringing together political, civil, and economic actors, the partner foundations will discuss how these networks can gain more power at the European level. As well as this, it will form a connected space where engaged citizens can find partner states for support in developing urban commons as an answer to bureaucratic state dominance and aggressive commodification.

This project will see a series of events across Europe, drawing together progressive and transformative forces to connect them to the Green movement and facilitate their exchanges.