CITIZENS
Creating a Europe closer to citizens means fostering the sustainable and integrated territorial development of urban, rural and coastal areas through local initiatives.
Our programme helps local, regional and national governments across Europe to develop and deliver better regional development policies in this field.
We create opportunities for sharing solutions to regional development issues, for exchanging good practices and for policy learning via our two pillars: our interregional cooperation projects and our Policy Learning Platform.
Scroll below to capitalise on the knowledge they've gained, take part in upcoming capacity building opportunities or apply for your own project proposal.
Discover the CITIZENS sub-topics we address and click on the link to find all related resources on our website.
Projects and project ideas
Get inspired by our approved projects or explore one of these CITIZENS project ideas. Then, discover how you can get involved in interregional cooperation by preparing your own project proposal.
Policy solutions
Explore all the policy solutions our projects and policy experts have identified on the topic of CITIZENS. Read through our policy briefs and good practices. Watch our webinar recordings. Download the conclusions for past workshops and peer reviews.
Good practices
See all

De Nieuwe Mark

Rising awareness about the traditional irrigation system in the Vega Baja region

Provincial Water Board

Blue routes: Alicante’s Hydrogeological Heritage

THESEUS Project – Innovative coastal technologies for safer European coasts in a changing climate

Reconnecting Aarhus to the Sea: Urban Mediaspace

Water Museum of Esztergom-a way of showing water-based heritages and the climate change

SACHER (Smart Architecture for Cultural Heritage in Emilia-Romagna)

The Uncovering of The River Aarhus (1992-2015)

Bridge Guard Residential Art / Science Centre- a way of preserving cultural heritage

Development in dialogue

LIFE - PLETERA

EBRO - ADMICLIM

Overtopping Breakwater for Wave Energy Conversion at Port of Naples
CITIZENS policy solutions
See all

Rethinking local policies: Bringing back nature to the city
Explore the key learnings of our workshop on Bringing back nature to the city that took place in Ghent.
Rethinking local policies: Modern green districts
Explore the key learnings of our workshop on Modern green districts that took place in Ghent.
Entrepreneurial opportunities in the Silver Economy in rural regions
In this article, learn about the challenges and opportunities that Europe's ageing population can bring to the economy and businesses!
Replay available: Next generation policymakers
More than 150 participants, 10 talented speakers around an important subject: why continuous learning and cooperation helps policymakers to face today and tomorrow's challenges. Watch the recording.
Key learnings of the webinar on Smart Villages
On 28 June 2022, the Policy Learning Platform organised a webinar on the topic of Smart Villages. Learn about the key insights and good practice to turn your village smart!
Mobilising citizen financing for renewables
Watch the recording and access the key learnings of the webinar on mobilising citizen financing for renewables that took place on 5 May 2022.
Cultural routes in Europe
Discover the transnational routes that help tourists discover how Europeans have lived since ancient times. This policy brief presents the Council of Europe’s Cultural Routes Programme, the EU’s policies on Cultural Routes, and good practices.
Cultural heritage in mountain regions
Read this policy brief and get an overview of EU initiatives that local and regional authorities should refer to for boosting sustainable development in mountain areas through the valorisation of the cultural heritage.
Webinar recording: The value of cooperation for EU outermost regions
Watch the recording and explore the key learnings from the online event dedicated to EU outermost regions.
Off the beaten track: Regional strategies boosting tourism through heritage
Learn about Granada Geopark's success story which saw an increase of visitors by changing its Provincial Strategy with a focus on sustainable tourism
Built cultural heritage
Explore successful approaches and solutions in protecting, conserving and valorising of heritage buildings of cultural and historical value.Adapting historic buildings for educational uses
Old heritage buildings can provide a space for education, skill development and learning while keeping the historic value.
Digital technologies and museums: post-pandemic experiences
Digital technologies and museums: discover experiences and opportunities in the post-pandemic period.
Rural tourism based on local heritage and gastronomy
Get inspired by the Interreg Europe OUR WAY project to develop sustainable tourism in rural areas.
Maritime cultural heritage
Take a look at how regions are preserving old fishery wharfs and a municipality by turning them into maritime cultural heritage.
Get policy advice
Are you looking for help on a regional policy-making challenge or simply have a question? Make use of our Platform services.
News and events
Explore the latest news and upcoming events on CITIZENS topics.