European Observatory for City Centers
Inscriptions to the new European Observatories Webinars and replays of the past ones
Launch of the European Observatory for City Centers in Strasbourg
Following the organization of the 2nd Biennial of the European Forum in 2022 during the French presidency of the Council of the European Union, the decision was made to create the European Observatory on City Centers in collaboration with the 19 delegations.
This Observatory will be presented alongside the seven different thematic that have been taken on: City center management and its tools, Environment and urban life, Commercial and artisanal diversity and markets, Logistics and last-mile delivery, Culture and events, Urban planning and mobility in the city center, Housing and its evolutions.
The launch of the European Observatory is the occasion to bring together elected representatives, city officials as well as researchers in order to encourage the exchange of knowledge and best practices when it comes to revitalizing our European city centers.
NEWS OF EUROPEAN CITY CENTERS
As Europe faces accelerating urban challenges, including climate chnage, demographic shifts, digital transformation, and social inequalities, cities are increasingly required to innovate and adapt. Programs such as URBACT and the… In 2026, Barcelona was named European Capital of Small Retail by the European Union, recognising the city as a leading model in supporting local commerce, innovation in the retail sector… In a bold move toward a sustainable future, 12 Ukrainian cities are partnering with European counterparts to work toward climate neutrality – even as the war with Russia continues. Through… While national politics can be slow or divided, local governments are acting quickly – using the tools they have to deliver aid, promote peace and stand up for human rights…. The city has taken a proactive and thoughtful approach to making life easier for people with disabilities, but also for anyone who might benefit from more accessible spaces – whether… On 16 October 2025, the Covenant of Mayors Ceremony will take place in Brussels, bringing together local and regional leaders from across Europe to reaffirm their commitment to a climate-neutral,… European mayors are raising the alarm over the worsening housing crisis in our city centers. This is the stark finding of the Eurocities Pulse Mayors Survey 2025, reflecting the priorities… From 17 to 19 June 2025, the city of Krakow hosted the Cities Forum 2025, a flagship event of the EU’s urban policy. Held in a hybrid format, the forum… Rethinking the Heart of the City What defines Bitburg’s city center today? What are its strengths, weaknesses, and future potential? To answer these questions, the City of Bitburg launched a… If so, Coimbra might just be setting the standard. The Portuguese city of Coimbra has just earned a prestigious European certification for its strategy to promote cultural and animation activities—highlighting… 📅 May 21 & 22, 2025 | Montpellier Over 700 participants gathered in Montpellier to attend the 19th National City Center Conference, organized by Centre-Ville en Mouvement in partnership with… If so, European city centers are already leading the way. At the heart of the 15-minute city concept lies a powerful idea: urban life should be organized around proximity —residents… From daily commutes to cultural outings, public transport is a key driver of the vitality of Europe’s city centers. Yet across the 27 EU capitals, prices for monthly passes vary… The city never sleeps — or at least, it shouldn’t anymore. As European city centres look to bounce back after the pandemic, the night has emerged as a powerful but… From April 8 to 10, 2025, the city of Wrocław, Poland, hosted over 600 participants from across Europe for the URBACT City Festival, a flagship event of the URBACT programme… Guimarães, in northern Portugal, has been named European Green Capital for 2026, a recognition that could transform its city center into a model of urban sustainability. This award, granted by… The number of territories supported by the InTerLUD+ program currently stands at 58. While 10 new territorial and concerted urban logistics charters were signed in 2024, this foresees the launch… During the seminar “Environmental Transitions and Territories,” organized by the National Agency for Territorial Cohesion and the ESPON program, Dominique Consille, director of the Action Cœur de Ville program, shared… On the occasion of International Women’s Day, cities across Europe are taking center stage in the fight for gender equality. In a context where feminist achievements are increasingly challenged, these… This shift began when Trenčín included placemaking as part of its bid to become the European Capital of Culture 2026. From the outset, the city recognized the importance of placing… On February 4, 2025, the European Town Center Observatory held a session dedicated to town center management and the tools available to enhance their attractiveness. International experts and practitioners shared… Involving Disabled People in Creating a City Accessible for All Komotini, a city in northeastern Greece, has become a shining example of how accessibility and social inclusion can transform urban… Recognised by the European Heritage Hub among its call for 10 Local Good Practices, the District C Project in Guimarães, Portugal, exemplifies a unique approach to urban regeneration and sustainability,… On February 6th, our European Observatory on City Centers focused on a key topic: “The Importance of Emotions in Urban Mobility,”. This discussion on user experience aligns with another major… Across Europe, car congestion and safety concerns make school commutes a challenge, with many families relying on cars for their children’s daily travel. This dependency not only poses risks to… Athens is set to welcome its first 15-minute city with the transformation of Hellinikon, Europe’s largest urban regeneration project. This ambitious initiative aims to create a vibrant, self-sufficient urban environment… Madrid’s Low Emission Zone (LEZ) has officially expanded to cover the entire city as of January 2025, marking a significant milestone in the city’s efforts to combat air pollution. This… Rethinking Urban Mobility in Brussels: The Rise of Cargo Bikes In a city where nine out of ten families with children rely on cars, a sustainable alternative is emerging: cargo… A Walk Through HistoryThe concept of shared spaces reappeared in the 1980s, with road engineer Hans Monderman leading the charge in the Netherlands. By removing traffic signs and lanes, Monderman… Over 100 million people in the European Union live with a disability, making cities pivotal in ensuring accessible and inclusive environments. However, accessibility isn’t just about removing physical barriers—it’s about… The year 2025 promises to be decisive for the European Union, with major political, economic, and diplomatic challenges on the horizon. Here are the key dates to watch in the… The year 2025 marks a crucial milestone for Digital Citizenship Education (DCE). This initiative presents a unique opportunity to enhance its visibility and impact while reaffirming its vital role in… Mental Health in the EU: A Growing ConcernNearly half of Europeans have faced emotional or psychosocial challenges in the past year, making mental health a critical issue across the EU…. Nestled in the heart of Styria, Graz is much more than just a regional capital. This thousand-year-old city, recognized as one of Austria’s most beautiful, is a treasure trove of… Kaunas, Lithuania’s second-largest city, transforms into a true winter wonderland during the holiday season. With its unique blend of history, modernity, and local traditions, Kaunas provides an unforgettable Christmas experience… A Historic Milestone for European Integration Romania and Bulgaria will officially become full members of the Schengen Area on January 1, 2025, following a landmark decision by European Union member… An Ambitious Infrastructure Project with Global Reach The long-anticipated Budapest-Belgrade (BuBe) railway line is on track to be completed by 2025, according to the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and… As cities face challenges like climate change and the loss of green spaces, football clubs are stepping up to promote sustainability and social responsibility. With their deep community ties, football… Rovaniemi, located in the heart of Finnish Lapland, is globally renowned as the official hometown of Santa Claus. Each winter, this iconic destination draws visitors from all over the world,… Oradea, a true gem of Transylvania, stands out as a must-visit destination during the holiday season thanks to its enchanting Christmas market. Every year, Union Square (Piața Unirii), surrounded by… On November 27, 2024, the EU Directors-General for Urban Matters (DGUM) gathered in Budapest to advance the Urban Agenda for the EU. The meeting highlighted the launch of two new… Zaragoza, the capital of Aragon, is an ancient city, was founded by the Romans as Caesaraugusta, conquered by the Arabs in the eighth century, in the early twelfth century was… Brno, the capital of Moravia, continues to reinvent Christmas with its iconic tree at náměstí Svobody (Freedom Square), a symbol that blends tradition and modernity. What makes this celebration truly… The 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22, 2024, marks a pivotal moment in global efforts to combat climate change…. Gouda, famous for its iconic “Gouda by Candlelight” event, offers a unique spectacle each year that transforms its historic city center into a fairy-tale setting. On Friday, December 13, 2024,… The holiday season is the perfect time to experience the magic of Christmas markets, and this year, we invite you to explore a special Advent Calendar that highlights medium-sized European… Captures impactful scenes from the COP29 summit in Baku, alongside significant events worldwide. At COP29, NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Nick Hague delivered a message from the International Space Station,… Delivery workers, essential to our daily lives, face challenging conditions despite their critical role. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted their importance, yet many couriers still lack security, insurance, and fair wages…. In 2023, Europeans traveled a record-breaking 429 billion kilometers by train, marking an 11% increase from 2022 and surpassing pre-Covid levels, according to Eurostat. France and Germany Lead the Way… Today marks the European Cultural Observatory event titled Reinventing City Centers: Drivers of Attractivity, featuring Esch-sur-Alzette, European Capital of Culture 2022. This event highlights the growing role of culture in… `As October draws to a close, Halloween brings with it a wave of eerie excitement and mystery. For those who want to skip the costumes and candy to dive into… New data from Eurostat reveals a troubling trend among Europe’s youth, with almost 15% of those aged 16 to 29 facing difficulties paying their rent over the past year. This… Bucharest became the center of European heritage preservation, as over 800 guests, joined by many more viewers online, gathered for the prestigious European Heritage Awards/Europa Nostra Awards ceremony. The event,… In a groundbreaking move for France, Talence, a suburb of Bordeaux, has become the first municipality in the country where local businesses accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment. As… The regional government of Madrid, led by Isabel Díaz Ayuso, has recently proposed an initiative to use the Madrid metro system for transporting goods at night. This idea, still under… A new environmental attraction in Gulbene, Latvia, features a container nursery for observing young pine trees. Developed by Carbon Less Future Ltd and supported by the local municipality, this innovative… Dr. Peter Berrill’s study, featured in Transportation Research Part D, investigates the relationship between urban design and mobility habits in Berlin and 18 additional European cities. The findings demonstrate that… The EU’s NetZeroCities platform has announced further support for 25 cities striving to become climate neutral by 2030. These cities are part of the EU Cities Mission and will collectively… Tallinn’s Deputy Mayor, Madle Lippus, advocates for revitalizing the city center to prevent its decline, emphasizing the need for infrastructure projects. Key focuses include improving access to the city center… Valencia, known for its sunshine, has been named Europe’s Green Capital, praised for its 5 million square meters of green space and the accessibility of nature to its residents. Winning… Bucharest, Romania, is gaining popularity among tourists, earning the nickname “new Berlin” due to its beautiful architecture and vibrant city center. With a bustling nightlife and affordable options, it’s becoming… The European Observatory for City Center, launched by Centre-Ville en Mouvement in February 2024 at the European Parliament, held its first online conference on April 3rd, focusing on governance and… In this town in eastern Slovenia, after years of renovations to the city center financed by national, local, and European funds, culture has been restored as the central element of… Inside the Czech capital, authorities have made the decision to limit the automobile traffic for all vehicles (except for residents, taxis, and all other vehicles that possess an authorization). Prague’s… Milan, the capital of fashion, is at a crossroad concerning pollution. As we are facing more and more issues having to do with climate change, a decision has to be… In this municipality, the initiative consists in gathering several little businesses within the same commercial premises. The main goal is to encourage small businesses to take a chance to open… As it is the case in most city centers across Europe, there is a need to adapt to the changes following the pandemic which fueled the development of e-commerce amongst… Located in Brittany, Saint-Brieuc is a mid-sized city with more than 45 000 inhabitants.Music boxes installed in the streets of Saint-Brieuc surprise passersby! They are the work of the multidisciplinary… The Municipality of Coimbra is developing and implementing a strategy to revitalize the historic city center, organizing dynamic and attractive cultural events for all age groups and different audiences. The… For the past decade, this small town of Tyrol has been emerging as an active regional center. Thanks to several development groups and a clever combination of planning and urban… What solution to face the scarcity of urban space and climate change? To this question, the city of Rotterdam answered with the Rooftop Walk: a promenade on several rooftops of…Building the Future of European Cities : URBACT and the European Initiative.
Barcelona : European Capital of Small Retail 2026
UKRAINE – Ukrainian cities partner with Europe to rebuild green, even during war
EUROPE – Across Europe, cities are taking real, concrete steps to support civilians affected by the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
FRANCE – Toulouse is becoming a leading example in Europe when it comes to accessibility and inclusion.
Covenant of Mayors 2025 Ceremony – Cities leading Europe’s green transition
Survey of European Mayors: Housing Crisis Calls for Urgent EU Action
Cities Forum 2025 in Krakow: City Centers at the Heart of a Resilient and Attractive Europe
Bitburg City Center: More Quality of Life, More Visibility
Is Culture the Catalyst for Vibrant City Centers ?
Recap of the 19th National City Center Conference in Montpellier
EUROPE – Are 15-Minute Cities the Future of Urban Living?
EUROPE – Public Transport Costs in EU Capital Cities
EUROPE – Rethinking the Night: How Cities-centers Are Embracing 24-Hour Urbanism
URBACT City Festival: how European cities are reinventing their city centres… together!
PORTUGAL – Guimarães, European Green Capital 2026: An Opportunity for the City Center
FRANCE – Examples of territories implementing actions before signing the LUD charter: Three contexts illustrated through the cases of Bordeaux Métropole, the Valenciennes Métropole Urban Community, and the Le Havre Seine Métropole Urban Community.
EUROPE – Revitalizing City Centers in Line with the European Green Deal: Interview with Dominique Consille, Director of Action Cœur de Ville
EUROPE – European Cities Leading the Way in Gender Equality
Trenčín: Placemaking as a Compass for City-Wide Cultural Activation
EUROPE – Town Center Management in Europe: Tools and Strategies
GREECE – Accessible City for All: How Komotini is Leading the Way
EUROPE – How Guimarães is Transforming ‘District C’ into a Net-Zero, Culturally Rich Neighbourhood
EUROPE – Mobility as a Service: A Revolution for Urban Mobility?
HUNGARY – Budapest Reclaims Streets for the Next Generation
GREECE – Greece’s First 15-Minute City Takes Shape at Hellinikon
SPAIN – Madrid’s LEZ: A Model for Cleaner, Healthier Cities
BELGIUM – Cargo Bikes: A Family-Friendly Alternative to Car Ownership in Brussels
EUROPE – A City for Everyone: The Return of Shared Public Space
EUROPE – Mastering Accessibility – The Viennese Inspiration
EUROPE – European Agenda: Key Events in the European Union in 2025
EUROPE – 2025: A Strategic Year for Digital Citizenship Education (DCE)
EUROPE – Mental Health in Cities : Beyond Traditional Healthcare Services
AUSTRIA – ” Graz, The Magic of Christmas in a Historic City”
LITHUANIA – “Kaunas, A Festive Journey Through Lithuania’s Winter Wonderland”
EUROPE – Romania and Bulgaria to Fully Join the Schengen Area in 2025
HUNGARY – The Budapest-Belgrade Railway: A Strategic Link to Be Ready by 2025
EUROPE – Kicking for the Future: Football Clubs Leading the Way in Sustainable Urban Development
FINLAND – “Rovanienmi the Ultimate Christmas Wonderland in Finnish Lapland”
ROMANIA – “Oradea, a true gem of Transylvania”
HUNGARY – Key Outcomes from the EU Directors-General Meeting on Urban Matters in Budapest
SPAIN – “Zaragoza a Magical Blend of Christmas Traditions and Local Heritage”
CZECH REPUBLIC – “Brno with its iconic christmas tree”
INTERNATIONAL – COP29: Toward Universal Financial Contributions to Climate Action
NETHERLANDS – “Gouda by Candlelight”
Advent Calendar – Discover the Most Innovative Christmas Markets in City Centers Across Europe
EUROPE – Cop29 and climate activists outside European courts: photos of the day
ITALY – Cargo Bikes Driving Sustainable and Inclusive Change in Milan
EUROPE – 2023: Record Year for Train Travel in Europe
FRANCE – Bourges, European Capital of Culture 2028: A European Project for Cultural and Social Cohesion
EUROPE – Europe’s Most Spine-Chilling Halloween Adventures: From Satan’s Bridge to the Living Dead Rituals
EUROPE : Nearly 15% of EU Youth Struggling to Pay Rent, Eurostat Reveals
ROMANIA – European Heritage Awards 2024: Grand Prix and Public Choice Award Winners Celebrated in Bucharest On October 7, 2024,
FRANCE – Shops in Talence Now Accept Cryptocurrency for Payment
SPAIN – Using the Madrid Metro to transport packages at night
LATVIA – Gulbene’s Eco-Friendly Container Nursery Unveiled
EUROPE – Urban Design and Mobility, Insights from Berlin and other European cities on sustainable transportation
EUROPE – The EU’s NetZeroCities boosts support for 25 cities aiming for climate neutrality by 2030
ESTONIA – Revitalisation of the city center is in order
SPAIN – Valencia the green capital
ROMANIA – Bucharest, the « rising star » of capitals
FRANCE – First webinar for the European Observatory for Downtown management
SLOVENIA – Revitalization for Ptuj’s City Center
CZECH REPUBLIC – A no-traffic city center for a quieter city
ITALY – A car-free city center for Milan
FRANCE – A new way to think local stores in Vitry-le-François
GERMANY – A new face for German city centers
FRANCE – Music and urban poetry in downtown Saint-Brieuc!
PORTUGAL – Book Fair: a way to enhance the revitalization of Coimbra’s City Center
15th stop : Lienz in Austria !
NETHERLANDS – In Rotterdam, discover the city of tomorrow up in the air!
The European Quote
Philippe LAURENT
I am convinced that the European model of the city is a historical and constitutive element of our culture.
Fabienne KELLER
Europe is a space of common projects but also, in a softer way, a space for exchanging good practices.
Marcos ROS SEMPERE
It is very important to have clear data and a good analysis of things that happen in cities to implement good solutions.
Teofil GHERCA
The objective of URBACT is to support cooperation between cities to increase their capacity for integrated urban development.
Anne-Marie JEAN
Urban logistics affects a wide range of domains. It’s a culture that needs to permeate within the community, within the administration itself, at the level of elected officials, and it also needs to be done in association with stakeholders.
Christian BERAUD
Customer experience is important because today a city center is not just about commerce; there needs to be around this traditional commerce many other offerings that support and enhance the attractiveness of our city centers.
Renaud SORE-LARREGAIN
The city center is defended for reasons of the survival of our system and the society of tomorrow, which necessarily must involve more sobriety, more compactness, and concentration of urban areas.
Francisco Javier AYALA ORTEGA
My aim is to transform cities socially to meet the demands of citizens. The debates will be guided by the values of social cohesion, equality, and sustainability.
Miguel FONSECA
The city centers are facing some challenges that are connected with some fall of commercial stores and also of inhabitants. So our strategy in terms of comprehensive development of our city puts some higher investment in culture and events and also to transform our city center into an attractive development.
Jean-Luc CALONGER
Without means, there’s no action… without action, there’s no management of the city center.
Pierre CREUZET
What hope for this European Observatory as there is a real mobilization to share best practices in a cross-cutting manner on this major transformation of our city centers in Europe. Let’s move forward together for the future of our city centers.Founder Director of Centre-Ville en Mouvement
Our Forum at a glance…
Our association of elected and deputies Centre-Ville en Mouvement is pleased to give you the brand new program of the 2nd European Forum on City Center.
This new program is born thanks to our reflections and based on our various trips and discoveries within the European member’s states.
LET’S MEET UP IN STRASBOURG !
European Tour of City Centers !
Nothing is more relevant than travels and video’s capture to see what is happening in Europe! During two months, two members of our Team have left Paris to discover stunning cities and meet officials and actors of city centers all around European Union!
During this huge trip, they had the great opportunity to exchange on good practices regarding city center’s management !
