When I joined the URBACT Secretariat in Paris as an Interreg Volunteer, I knew I would be stepping into the world of European cooperation, but I didn’t fully anticipate how rewarding it would be to contribute to something that genuinely connects cities across the continent.
What is URBACT?
URBACT is an Interreg programme that enables cities to work together on developing sustainable solutions to common urban challenges. With over 20 years of experience, the programme supports cities of all sizes across Europe in sharing knowledge, good practices, and innovative approaches to make urban areas better places to live. From climate action to inclusive urban planning, URBACT networks tackle the issues that matter most to local communities.
The programme currently involves hundreds of cities from all EU Member States, plus cities from EU accession countries. Through its different type of networks and various capacity-building activities, URBACT creates spaces where city officials, practitioners, and stakeholders can learn from each other and co-develop solutions that work.
My Role at the Secretariat
Based at the URBACT Secretariat in Paris, I volunteered within the Networks and Capacity Building unit. My tasks were varied and hands-on: I supported the delivery of online training courses. I also contributed to updating the URBACT Toolbox, a key online resource offering practical guidance to cities across Europe. Additionally, I helped with the organisation of major events, including the launch of new Transfer Networks and training sessions for Innovation Transfer Networks.
What Made It Special
What struck me most was how my daily volunteering tasks directly contributed to cooperation between European cities. Every email sent, every tool updated, every event organised was part of a larger effort to share knowledge and build a more connected urban network across Europe.
The highlight of my experience was participating in URBACT’s in-person events. Seeing city representatives from every corner of Europe, from Portugal to Poland, from Sweden to Greece, gathered in the same room, exchanging ideas and learning from one another, made the value of this programme tangible. It’s a true win-win: cities bring their challenges and leave with solutions, new contacts, and fresh inspiration.
Why It Matters
URBACT embodies what European cohesion policy is about: helping local communities thrive through collaboration. For anyone curious about how the EU works on the ground, programmes like this show that cooperation isn’t an abstract concept, it’s cities learning from cities, people connecting with people.
I’m grateful for this IVY experience and proud to have played a small part in building bridges between European cities.
– Francesco, IVY Reporter for URBACT
