This talk presents the upcoming Call 4 of the EUI, to be launched in early 2026. The EUI’s calls for proposals aim to provide opportunities for cities to take risks and transform creative ideas into pilot projects that can be tested in real urban environments. With a renewed framework, Call 4 focuses on empowering small and medium-sized cities to apply urban innovation at the local level. The call seeks to boost cities’ innovation potential and enhance their capacity to implement and scale up innovative solutions. It promotes the dissemination and transfer of these urban innovations. Participants will gain insights into the latest framework updates and detailed information about the call.
- Cohesion | EU/ European | Local and regional | Sustainable | Territorial | Urban
- Code: 14TK252069
- Square Brussels, Exhibition area, Agora
Speaker
Practical information
- When
-
Tue 14/10/2025, 11:30 - 12:00 CET
- Where
- Square Brussels, Exhibition area, Agora
- Type of partnership
- Partnership
- Format
- EURegionsTalk
- Theme
-
Cities building tomorrow
- Language
- English
Partners
European Urban Initiative
Urban Agenda for the EU
Reporting
Session summary
The European Urban Initiative announced that preparations are underway for the next Call for Proposals for Innovative Action projects, expected to launch in early 2026.
This upcoming call will introduce an updated framework of support for cities, building on and adapting the principles of the previous Innovative Action framework. This approach aims to help cities test locally innovative solutions and strengthen their capacity to address complex urban challenges.
In particular, the call aims to support applications from:
• Small and medium-sized cities
• Cities with limited experience with EU funds
• Dynamic urban authorities eager to experiment with new solutions but with less experience in the field of innovation
A total budget allocation of around EUR 60 million from the ERDF is planned, expected to support approximately 30 projects across Europe.
A brief presentation on the upcoming Call for Proposals was shared during the European Week of Regions and Cities, outlining initial information. However, all information is indicative and subject to change pending further development.
What has changed ?
• Modified eligibility criteria for applying urban authorities: smaller cities are now eligible - 25 000 inhabitants is the new minimum number of inhabitants
• Redefined urban innovation requirements: local innovation (no more innovation at EU scale)
• Broader choice of the thematic focus
• Smaller scale of the financed projects
o up to 2 million Euro per project
o shorter timeframe (2 years)
• Simplified financial framework
More details will be shared as the framework and call documentation are finalised.
