With the launch of Call 4 for Innovative Actions, the European Urban Initiative (EUI) is once again stepping in to support cities across Europe, helping them move from ideas to action.

The Call 4 offers urban authorities both funding and hands-on support to design, test and deliver innovative solutions under real urban conditions – ensuring cities of all sizes have the tools they need to experiment, learn and lead change locally.

From local ideas to real-life testing

Through the Call 4, urban authorities are invited to propose innovative products, services or processes that are new to their local context. Innovative solutions may already exist elsewhere in Europe or beyond – what matters is how cities adapt and test them within their own realities, embedding innovation into everyday life.

Projects are expected to be rooted in daily urban operations and implemented in real-life settings, allowing cities to learn what works, what doesn’t – and why.

Innovation aligned with the EU Agenda for cities priorities

The Call 4 is fully aligned with the priorities of the EU Agenda for Cities, supporting innovation across six interconnected topics:

1. Competitiveness, digitalisation, innovation and investment

2. Social inclusion and equality

3. Security, safety and preparedness

4. Affordable, sustainable, decent-quality and inclusive housing and buildings

5. Climate action, environment and clean energy

6. Mobility

Urban challenges rarely fit neatly into a single policy box. Cities are therefore encouraged to design integrated solutions, combining several topics where relevant.

Open to cities of all sizes – with tailored support

Call 4 is open to urban authorities, as well as associations or groupings of urban authorities representing at least 25,000 inhabitants. Designed for cities of all sizes, the call allows small and medium-sized cities to fully benefit.

Each selected project can receive up to EUR 2 million, with 80% of eligible costs co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.

Beyond funding, EUI supports cities all along the way, with an updated guidance, Thematic Labs, Q&A sessions and tailored assistance throughout the application process.

Deadline for submission: 15 June 2026 at 14.00 CEST

For full details on the call on how to apply and the available support to applicants, consult the Call 4 page.

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A strategic call for the European Commission and the EUI Entrusted Entity

Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms, European Commission, said: 

“Through this call, the EU aims to support cities in testing small-scale local innovative solutions to pressing urban challenges. Urban challenges are complex. This Commission is committed to strengthening the capacity of cities to design and deliver innovative responses. Our vision is clear: Empowering every city and town in Europe to reach its full potential, including all communities.”

Xavier Bertrand, President of the Hauts-de-France Region, the EUI Entrusted Entity, said: 

“By redefining its scope of intervention, the 4th Call for Proposals, launched by the European Urban Initiative on 25 February, fully reflects our commitment to financially supporting cities and metropolitan areas in testing innovative solutions locally and strengthening their capacity to address complex urban challenges.

Now open to Cities and groupings of municipalities with more than 25,000 inhabitants, projects may receive up to EUR 2 million in European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) support, representing 80% of the total project budget.

As key drivers of territorial innovation, European cities and groupings of municipalities see their leading role recognised and supported in responding to urban challenges as close as possible to the needs of our citizens, thereby giving full meaning to cohesion policy.”

The European Commission press release is available here.