The International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) Asia & Australasia programme officially launched its second phase at Melbourne Town Hall on August 27, 2025. The event brought together the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, EU Ambassador to Australia Gabriel Visentin, and the European Union Centre of Excellence at RMIT University, alongside leaders from six selected Australian cities and regions.
The IURC fosters multi-city cooperation on sustainable urban development and regional innovation, linking EU and non-EU subnational governments to co-develop solutions across shared challenges such as housing affordability, climate resilience, and social cohesion.
Australian participants (2025–2027):
Cities: Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne
Regions: Gippsland, South West Western Australia, Greater Hobart
These governments will join international peers in thematic clusters, including:
• Smart city and digital transition
• Mobility and public space
• Energy transition and circular economy
• Urban food systems and industries
• Culture, education, and tourism
• Smart city and digital transition
Participants will engage in workshops, study visits, and pilot projects over the next three years to share expertise and implement innovative solutions.
Highlights from the Launch:
EU Ambassador Gabriel Visentin emphasized the urgency of collective action:
“There are common challenges we all face—housing affordability, sustainable development, and climate resilience. Through IURC, the EU strengthens a global community of problem-solvers.”
Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece highlighted cities as the engine rooms of global progress:
“Whether it’s housing people, getting to net zero, or building social cohesion—all roads, and train lines, lead to the success of our cities.”
Lutz Köppen, from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy, welcomed participants via video, reiterating that “cities and regions face more challenges than ever—so sharing knowledge and working together is a must.”
IURC Australia Coordinator Professor Bruce Wilson underscored the power of collaboration:
“Cities across Australia are pioneering new solutions. Sharing that with European counterparts through IURC will accelerate impact for communities on both sides.”
City and region contributions:
- Brisbane: Major events legacy and Olympic preparation
- Adelaide: Sustainability, social cohesion, digital infrastructure
- Melbourne: Building inclusion and social connection
- Gippsland: Offshore wind, sustainable tourism, agriculture
- South West WA: Focus on sustainable tourism
- Greater Hobart: Circular economy, Climate Ready strategy, plastic reduction
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Media Contact:
Victoria Kelly-Clark
EU Delegation to Australia
Victoria.KELLY-CLARK@eeas.europa.eu