What is the scope? New European Bauhaus relevant interventions that take into account the 3 principles of beauty, sustainable development and integration. A new call will open in May 2024. Below you can find the main information.
To facilitate synergies, a single rulebook now covers 7 EU funds implemented in partnership with Member States.
Update – New call opening in May 2024
The third call for proposals under the EUI-Innovative Actions (EUI-IA) program is scheduled to open in May 2024, concluding in October 2024. With an indicative budget of EUR 90 million ERDF, each project can receive a maximum of EUR 5 million ERDF co-financing. The project implementation is expected to be completed within a maximum period of 3.5 years.
Topics of the call:
- Energy transition
This topic supports innovative solutions for sustainable, integrated local energy networks, aiming for zero carbon emissions and citizen engagement in the energy transition. - Technology in cities
This topic supports the testing of innovative solutions using new technologies in urban settings to enhance citizen services and empower local authorities. These experiments are designed to be scalable and replicable with the support of Cohesion policy investments.
More information is available on the page of the call.
More specifically, the following actions are prioritized:
- Construction and renovation in the spirit of circularity and carbon neutrality
- Preservation and transformation of cultural heritage
- Adaptation and conversion of buildings for affordable housing solutions
- Regeneration of urban spaces
For what?
Innovative projects (new, untested solutions in the local context) with the potential to be replicated in other European cities.
State Aid: No
Co-financing: up to 80% (direct) and up to €5 million per project
No open calls: the assessment of applications of the the second of proposals will be conducted from October 2023 until April 2024
The European Urban Initiative (EUI) is a single instrument (financed with €500 million from ERDF), that replaces different programmes such as the Urban Innovative Actions and URBACT. It aims to strengthen integrated and participatory approaches to sustainable urban development. It will do so by facilitating and supporting capacity building, innovative actions, knowledge, policy development and communication.
Likewise, it comprises two strands of activities:
- support of innovative actions, and
- support of capacity and knowledge building, territorial impact assessments, policy development and communication
Project objectives and eligibility criteria
Regarding Innovative actions, its funds projects which are:
- Innovative
- Participative
- Measurable
- Transferable and scalable
- Of good quality
For the second call, EUI focused on projects that took into account the three following topics:
- Greening cities: tangible innovative solutions on green infrastructure across European cities, for better addressing the biodiversity, pollution, resource and climate challenges, including synergy development with other key policy areas.
- Sustainable tourism: projects will be funded to support the long-term green and digital transformation and resilience of the tourism ecosystem
- Harnessing talent in shrinking cities: the focus here is on new solutions to retain and attract talent
To be noted: projects should overall align with the priorities set under the Cohesion Policy (2021-2027) listed in the description of the Call topics. Assessment of the applications of the second call will be conducted from October 2023 until April 2024.
In terms of eligibility, building owners (including providers of social housing) are not directly eligible, but they can work with cities as partners in the different projects.
Who can get support?
Beneficiaries are urban authorities – or a grouping of urban authorities – classified as cities, towns, or suburbs, with a total population of a least 50 000 inhabitants.
You can work together with authorities in a partnership. Prepared with a leading role for the city as a strategic partnership leader. Planned to achieve the goals of local strategies and policies. In line with the spirit of the principles of good urban governance according to the New Leipzig Charter.
Type of financing available
In terms of the budget division, the support for capacity-building will represent 20% of the budget, the support for innovative actions will be 60% (which is based on the former Urban Innovative Actions programme), and knowledge support will represent another 20% of the budget.
14 projects were retained from the first round of calls. The ERDF will finance 80% of the cost of selected projects, and each project can receive up to €5 million. For the second Call for Proposals, an indicative budget of €120 million ERDF is allocated. Each project can receive up to a maximum of €5 million ERDF grant.
Implementation period
3.5 years (+ 6 months of Project Initiation Phase and 3 months for administrative closure of activities)
Example: Affordable Housing for All (AHA) Budapest
With an ERDF budget of €4,985,110.40, the AHA Budapest project, led by the municipality, has for objective to tackle housing insecurity and energy poverty by introducing innovative, affordable solutions.
Here’s what the project aims to do:
- Integrated Housing Service Model: Create a comprehensive housing service model that offers both permanent and temporary housing options. This model will tap into both public and private housing resources.
- Early Warning System: Establish a system that can predict when certain groups of people may face social and energy-related challenges. This way, assistance can be provided in advance to those at risk.
- Smart Support Scheme: Develop a support system that encourages safe temporary cohabitation and flat exchanges. This scheme will focus on building trust, mentorship, and mediation.
- Revolving Fund for Energy Efficiency: Test a fund that provides grants for energy-efficient home improvements. This fund aims to reduce energy poverty and prevent the deterioration of housing conditions.
- Renovate Public Building: Transform an unused non-residential public building into social housing that is nearly energy-neutral. This will involve modern, energy-efficient technologies and cost-effective, aesthetically pleasing interior designs that consider the needs of the beneficiaries.
In essence, the AHA Budapest project seeks to create flexible and affordable housing solutions while addressing energy-related challenges and improving the living conditions of vulnerable groups.
For accessing the legal background of the European Urban Initiative, click here.