European Urban Initiative
In times of rapid urbanization, Europe is increasingly facing serious urban challenges - ranging from the global health crisis and digitalization to social inequalities, demographic and climate changes, not to mention unresolved environmental issues.
Cities in the EU must transform and adapt to the challenges that are pressing in. This requires innovative projects that can harness each city’s creative and innovative potential.
To promote urban development, the European Union (EU) has launched the European Urban Initiative (EUI), which supports cities large and small with funding as well as the development of knowledge and capacity. Currently, support has been granted to 14 urban initiatives across the EU, one of which is Aarhus Municipality’s ImperfectCity.
The 14 projects are very diverse, but the starting point and goal are the same: how can we preserve deteriorated buildings and neighborhoods in future urban plans while activating them in efforts to improve conditions for especially vulnerable people?
Networking across borders
ImperfectCity is not just about Aarhus – it is about all cities and citizens in the EU. It is about the European community, and about building on our shared history, cultural heritage, architecture, and democracies to address today’s urban challenges.
The cities participating in the EUI projects are seizing this unique opportunity to share knowledge and experiences with other European cities. Through digital platforms, physical meetings, conferences, and partnerships, the EUI functions as a cross-border network where we learn from each other’s experiences in seeking innovative solutions to our “bold” and complex challenges.
ImperfectCity is being realized with support from the EUI and the 12 partners, a total of DKK 47 million.