The European Commission, through the European Urban Initiative (EUI), will launch in 2026 the 4th “Innovative Actions” Call, one of the main direct funding opportunities for European cities under EU Cohesion Policy. This programme supports highly innovative pilot projects designed to test new solutions to complex urban challenges and produce results that can be replicated across European cities.
(Prepared by Pasquale Mungari)
Summary
The EUI Innovative Actions Call is one of the most significant European funding opportunities for cities seeking to pilot bold solutions in areas such as inclusion, sustainability, housing, mobility, and overall urban quality of life, with substantial financial support and strong EU-level visibility.
Objective of the Call
The call aims to fund concrete interventions that improve urban quality of life through:
- testing innovative solutions
- integrated cross-sector approaches
- active involvement of local communities
- use of advanced technologies and new governance models
- potential for replication across Europe
Projects must demonstrate a clear local impact and strong potential for transferability to other urban contexts.
Who Can Apply
- Urban authorities from EU Member States
- Cities and municipalities of all sizes
- Particular attention to small and medium-sized cities
- Participation with local partners is encouraged (universities, companies, NGOs, etc.)
Previous experience with EU funding is not strictly required, making the call accessible even to cities with limited project management capacity.
Financial Allocation
- Total indicative budget: approximately €60 million
- Funding per project: up to about €2 million
- Co-financing rate: typically high (as in most EUI programmes)
- Maximum project duration: around 2 years
Funding is intended for innovative pilot actions, not for standard infrastructure projects or routine municipal activities.
Indicative Timeline
- Official launch of the call: February 2026
- Deadline for submission: June 2026
- Evaluation and selection: second half of 2026
- Project start: late 2026 / early 2027
Priority Themes of the Call
Proposals must focus on ONE of the following strategic areas:
1. Competitiveness, Innovation and Digital Transition
- digital transformation of urban services
- support for local economies
- smart city solutions and emerging technologies
2. Social Inclusion and Equality
- reducing inequalities
- integration of vulnerable groups
- access to essential services
- strengthening social cohesion in neighbourhoods
3. Urban Security and Resilience
- crisis prevention and preparedness
- risk management
- safety of public spaces
- resilience to social or environmental shocks
4. Affordable and Sustainable Housing
- housing solutions for vulnerable populations
- urban regeneration
- innovative housing models
- tackling housing affordability challenges
5. Climate, Environment and Clean Energy
- climate adaptation measures
- urban energy efficiency
- nature-based solutions
- environmental quality and public health
6. Sustainable Urban Mobility
- innovative public transport solutions
- active mobility (walking and cycling)
- reducing traffic congestion and pollution
- improving road safety
Required Approach
Projects are expected to be:
- genuinely innovative compared to existing practices
- integrated across multiple policy areas
- participatory, involving citizens and stakeholders
- measurable in terms of outcomes
- replicable in other European cities
Relevance for Family-Friendly Cities
The call is particularly suitable for initiatives that enhance everyday life for families, such as:
Social and Family Support Services
- support for vulnerable families
- early childhood services
- inclusive community programmes
Housing solutions for young and large families
- affordable housing solutions
- intergenerational co-housing
- regeneration of family-oriented neighbourhoods
Safe Mobility for Children
- safe routes to school
- traffic-calming measures near schools
- active mobility programmes for families
Family-Friendly Public Spaces
- inclusive parks and playgrounds
- accessible recreational areas
- child-friendly urban design
️ Urban Climate Resilience
- shaded public spaces and cooling solutions
- protection against heatwaves
- sustainable urban infrastructure
Why This Call Is Strategic for Municipalities
- Direct EU funding (not mediated through regional programmes)
- High European visibility
- Opportunity to test innovative policies at local level
- Strengthening administrative and project capacity
- Potential to scale successful solutions
- Enhanced attractiveness of the city for residents and investors
Further Information
For full details, eligibility criteria and official documentation:
https://www.urban-initiative.eu/news/fourth-innovative-actions-call-proposals-topics-are-here