What’s Inside This Edition?
✨ EUI Innovative Action Call Launching in Early 2026
This issue highlights the upcoming EUI Innovative Action (IA) Call, expected to open in early 2026. With an indicative budget of €60 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the call will support ambitious, experimental projects aimed at tackling pressing urban challenges.
Priority will be given to:
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Small and medium-sized cities
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Municipalities with limited prior EU funding experience
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Local authorities eager to pilot bold, creative ideas
This is a key opportunity for cities preparing to innovate, collaborate, and test new approaches to sustainable urban transformation.
🏛️ Good Practice Spotlight: Restoration Scheme in Gozo
The newsletter features the second call of the Built Heritage Restoration Scheme, administered by the Planning Authority and co-funded through ERDF.
This initiative supports the restoration of:
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Privately owned heritage residential buildings
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Grade 1 and Grade 2 scheduled properties
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Properties located within Gozo’s Urban Conservation Areas (UCAs)
The scheme aims to preserve Malta’s architectural identity while revitalising local urban environments and promoting sustainable regeneration.
📅 Upcoming Event: URBACT City Festival 2026
Taking place from 31 March – 1 April 2026 in Nicosia, Cyprus, the URBACT City Festival will unite urban changemakers from across Europe.
Participants can expect:
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Peer-learning sessions
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Interactive workshops and labs
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Insights into practical solutions for urban challenges
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Networking opportunities with cities, experts, and practitioners
Attendance is free, with limited places available.
Stay Connected
This edition continues to build a growing community of urban practitioners across the Maltese Islands and beyond. Whether you're a policymaker, local authority representative, NGO, researcher, or active citizen, the newsletter helps you stay informed on the latest EU opportunities, local initiatives, and good practices.
