Stories | Living in EU

Published: 13 Oct 2026

Oulu puts robots and AI to work in education and culture

From robotic dogs and service robots in classrooms to student-designed library robots, Oulu is exploring how artificial intelligence and robotics can enrich learning, culture and public services. The ...

Solution | Published: 12 Oct 2026

Ghent's journey towards proactive services through life events

Making government work around citizens, not the other way around When residents experience major life events, such as the birth of a child, moving home or losing a loved one, they often need support f...

Theme:

Digital inclusion

Story | Published: 05 Oct 2026

OpenCouncil uses AI to make local democracy more transparent

When did my municipality approve a new cycling lane? How have local representatives voted in the recent city council debate on green spaces, and where can I watch a recording of the council meeting? F...

Theme:

People-centred digital services Artificial Intelligence Citizen engagement

Story | Published: 24 Sep 2026

Sofia uses digital participation to give residents a say in city spending

From new playgrounds and green spaces to mobility and cultural projects, residents in Sofia are increasingly helping decide how public money should be spent in their neighbourhoods. Through its Sofia ...

Theme:

Citizen engagement Digital inclusion People-centred digital services

Story | Published: 09 Sep 2026

Riga turns European innovation into smarter public services

From 5G-connected drones to digital twins and responsible artificial intelligence, the city of Riga is testing how new technologies can solve practical challenges facing the city and its residents. Th...

Theme:

Connectivity Digitalisation roadmaps and strategies Artificial Intelligence

Story | Published: 08 Sep 2026

The Hague tests smart technology where city life happens

From managing beach crowds to sharing locally generated energy, The Hague is using the streets and public spaces of Scheveningen, a popular seaside district of the city, to test how digital technology...

Theme:

Connectivity Data Platform People-centred digital services

Solution | Published: 08 Sep 2026

Seinajoki uses data and AI to cut food waste in city kitchens

Every day, the city of Seinajoki, in western Finland, serves thousands of meals in schools and daycare centres. Knowing exactly how much food to prepare, however, is not always straightforward. Actual...

Theme:

Data Platform Water & Waste management

Story | Published: 08 Sep 2026

Rotterdam explores the Citiverse to connect people and public services

What began as an idea about giving residents a digital representation of their own homes is becoming part of a much wider vision for Rotterdam. Over the past decade, the city has experimented with Loc...

Theme:

CitiVerse Data Platform Local Digital Twins

Story | Published: 14 Aug 2026

Guimaraes science-based tools to drive nature-based solutions

As heat, drought and extreme rainfall put growing pressure on Europe’s cities, the city of Guimaraes is using digital tools to decide where climate action is needed most, and to measure what works. T...

Theme:

Energy & Environment Urban planning

Solution | Published: 16 Jul 2026

Call Sofia – Sofia Municipality Contact Centre

Solution type: technical Topic: citizen participation Description: Call Sofia (“Call Sofia – Sofia Municipality Contact Centre”) is a digital citizen engagement and reporting platform operated by Sofi...

Theme:

Citizen engagement Digital inclusion People-centred digital services

The European way of digital transformation in cities and communities

Good practices

Oulu puts robots and AI to work in education and culture

Ghent's journey towards proactive services through life events

OpenCouncil uses AI to make local democracy more transparent

Sofia uses digital participation to give residents a say in city spending

Riga turns European innovation into smarter public services

The Hague tests smart technology where city life happens

Seinajoki uses data and AI to cut food waste in city kitchens

Rotterdam explores the Citiverse to connect people and public services

Guimaraes science-based tools to drive nature-based solutions

Call Sofia – Sofia Municipality Contact Centre