City-to-City Exchanges: EUI – Capacity Building

City-to-City Exchanges is a key instrument of the European Urban Initiative (EUI), aimed at fostering international cooperation among cities across EU Member States. This initiative enables targeted, short-term, and fully funded peer-learning exchanges between local authorities to help address specific challenges related to sustainable urban development.

Objectives and Benefits of the Programme

The programme is designed to promote the practical transfer of knowledge and best practices among cities facing similar urban, environmental, social, or economic challenges. It provides a flexible framework that allows cities to respond to current needs, strengthen institutional capacities, and draw inspiration from innovative solutions within the European context.

Who Can Participate?

The call is open to cities, urban districts, metropolitan areas, and other local urban authorities in all EU Member States. Each applicant must choose an appropriate peer city located in another EU country that offers relevant experience or expertise related to the challenge at hand.

Exchange Format and Implementation

Each exchange consists of 1 to 3 working visits between participating cities, with each visit lasting 2 to 5 working days. The entire process—from approval to the completion of all visits—must be finalized within five months.

Financial Support

The programme is funded by EUI and follows a lump-sum funding model, covering:

• Staff costs of participants (including preparation and follow-up activities),
• Travel, accommodation, and meals during the exchanges.

Application Process and Priorities

Applications are assessed on a rolling basis, as part of an open-ended call (no fixed deadline). Eligible applicants can submit their proposals at any time via the EUI electronic platform. A decision is typically communicated within four weeks of submission.

Priority is given to:

• Cities new to the initiative,
• Smaller urban areas (under 500,000 inhabitants),
• Less developed and transition regions, often facing specific development challenges.

Summary

City-to-City Exchanges offer a strategic opportunity for cities to build their capacities, learn from European peers, and accelerate the implementation of innovative policy solutions. The programme also serves as an effective tool for European solidarity, knowledge sharing, and cohesive urban development under the broader EU Urban Agenda.