IURC pilot cities and regions from Europe, Latin America & the Caribbean, Asia & Australasia, and North America gathered in Barcelona from 4–6 November 2025. They met during the Smart Cities Expo World Congress to advance the EU-funded International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) programme.
More than 240 IURC delegates met to discuss potential pilot projects, deepen thematic collaboration, and prepare for advanced cooperation visits planned for 2026.
The event opened with an inspiration Call-to-Action video (see below), conveying that when cities and regions work together, their impact grows.
Inspiring cooperation and to think boldly during the IURC Global Thematic Cluster Event in Barcelona
Building on earlier programmes, the new phase of IURC is more inclusive and more ambitious, focused on transforming local insights into global practice. Delegates were encouraged to think boldly in plenary sessions, get practical in breakout groups, and witness cooperation in action during technical visits. With more than 125 participating cities and regions organised across 10 thematic clusters, the programme continues to turn shared challenges into shared solutions.
Across the three days in Barcelona, delegates worked intensively on common issues they face and committed to work together on concrete outcomes, shown in the Event Highlights video (see below).
Clips from cluster discussions, interviews, and the summary of results
Issues such as food waste reduction, smarter packaging, Blue Economy partnerships, digital transformation, city future-proofing and the practical use of artificial intelligence to improve daily urban life. Participants highlighted common challenges—including congestion, mobility pressures and the need for more resilient systems—and emphasised how exchanging experiences strengthens regional strategies.
The workshops produced a series of concrete outcomes. Cities identified potential partners, drafted early-stage action plans and built on existing examples that can be scaled across regions. Delegates stressed that the real impact will come after the matchmaking process, as partnerships convert ideas into tangible pilot projects that can begin materialising within the coming year.
From clean energy and smart mobility to resilient food systems and Blue Economy development, cities and regions are turning cooperation into real change. The Barcelona 2025 gathering reaffirmed a shared commitment: to advance practical solutions that benefit communities worldwide and to continue strengthening global cooperation through the IURC programme.