What is the LDT Citiverse EDIC

LDT Citiverse EDIC stands for "European Digital Infrastructure Consortium on Local Digital Twins towards the Citiverse". It is a new type of legal entity created by the European Commission to develop and operate common digital infrastructure for local (city) digital twins. It promotes interoperability between cities, reducing digital fragmentation, and supporting the development of open services and standards in the EU. It operates as an independent legal entity and currently brings together 15 Member States.

Launch of the SMARCO Skills Partnership for Smart Communities

The SMARCO project is launching the Smart Communities Skills Partnership, a collaborative initiative bringing together public authorities, industry, SMEs, education and training providers, research organisations, and civil society to strengthen skills development for smart communities across Europe.

The digital generation gap has created unprecedented anxiety for parents who feel overwhelmed and powerless when trying to guide their children's online experiences. From social media and online gaming to artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, many families face growing challenges in understanding online risks, fostering healthy digital habits, and maintaining open conversations about technology. While children often adapt quickly to new digital environments, parents can feel uncertain about how best to guide and support them.

The Cities Coalition for Digital Rights (CC4DR) is delighted to launch the third edition of the International Digital Rights Days (IDRD), taking place worldwide on December 10–11, 2026.

The Financial and Legal Working Groups of Living-in.EU are co-organising a webinar series dedicated to the European Digital Innovation Consortia (EDICs) and Multi-country projects (MCPs).

Background

European cities and regions are increasingly integrating AI to improve internal efficiency (e.g., internal AI agents), deliver public services (AI-driven citizen-oriented services), and urban planning (traffic management, environmental monitoring, citizen engagement). At the same time, reliance on Big Tech digital infrastructure is creating concerns about technological dependence, data protection, ethical governance and alignment with European values.

Governments face a growing disconnect between rising expectations for speed, adaptability and responsiveness, and institutional systems that have not kept pace. Digital technologies are now essential for addressing today's policy and service delivery challenges.

While the OECD data shows progress in digital strategies and frameworks, the focus must shift to delivering real impact through stronger data governance, wider use of digital infrastructure, modernised investment, trusted AI, and more human-centred services.