Smart cities

Digital 08-05-2019

Francesca Bria: ‘Europe cannot rely on Silicon Valley’

Taking place across 6-8 May, Berlin's Re:publica is one of the world's largest conferences on digital culture. EURACTIV Germany took the chance to head along and sit down with Francesca Bria to discuss Spain's role in the EU's digital revolution.
Digital 14-02-2019

‘No alternative’ to digital construction, expert says

The digitisation of the EU's construction industry is an oft-overlooked area of technological development, both politically and socially. EURACTIV.com spoke to Milena Feustel to shine a light on the sector and explore the direction the digital construction is going in across Europe.
Digital 18-09-2018

From transport to street lighting: The emergence of smart city platforms

Uber and Airbnb have shown how city services can be transformed by platform offerings. Developing the right platforms will be key for cities to ensure that their economies, environment, and services are fit for the future, writes Eric Woods.

Digital 20-07-2018

The sharing economy: Cure or curse?

From mobility services to recycling applications, the sharing economy holds many promises. Whether to regulate it at European level remains a disputed question, however.
Energy 20-07-2018

A holistic approach to smart building systems

While a coordinated operation of all building systems can achieve significant energy savings, those systems are too often installed in siloes hindering to unlock the full potential, writes Tom Machinchick.
Broadband 18-07-2018

Pressure on Commission ahead of decision on connected car technology

Pressure is mounting on the European Commission ahead of a decision it is expected to announce this autumn that will affect how internet-connected cars are built in Europe.
Digital 09-04-2018

Germany: a European laggard on Smart Cities

In Germany, cities applying for funding of Smart Cities projects face steep hurdles and private companies, not citizens, seem to be the main winners. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Economy & Jobs 19-02-2018

It’s time for Europe to deliver on an ambitious industrial strategy

As the EU's annual industry day approaches, the time is ripe to deliver on an ambitious industrial strategy that builds on Europe’s unique strengths, unlocks the potential of digital technology and data, and helps innovative companies solve societal challenges, writes Malte Lohan.

Energy 06-02-2018

Rethinking urban energy: How Europe is leading the way

To achieve ambitious climate goals in line with the Paris Agreement, cities will need to implement major changes to their energy systems by 2030. The good news is that the transformation in the energy sector is making such ambitious programmes much more feasible and European cities are in the forefront, writes Eric Woods.
Economy & Jobs 12-12-2017

Stockholm mayor: Cohesion policy is strongest form of EU solidarity

Stockholm produces more billion dollar companies than any other place outside Silicon Valley and the European Commission recently proclaimed it Europe's most innovative region. Mayor Karin Wanngård explained how her city hangs onto its talent and why it is such a popular breeding ground for 'unicorns'.
Economy & Jobs 23-11-2017

Cohesion funds can stop Europe from moving at different speeds

Cross-border and inter-regional cooperation in cohesion and research & development spending is still limited, but very much needed to prevent a multi-speed Europe writes Lambert van Nistelrooij. To unlock Europe's growth opportunities, the MEP calls for smart regional specialisation and an Innovation Pact 2.0.
Energy 21-11-2017

Are we there yet? Current state of the smart home market

The smart home is capturing headlines with its futuristic possibilities of smart cars, fridges and thermostats all connected to each other. However, it is important to be realistic. The current state of the smart home is not even close to this vision, writes Paige Leuschner.
Energy 24-10-2017

Sustainability: Renewable energy in Europe’s clean energy transition

Climate change is an urgent issue that demands global action. Following the Paris Climate Agreement, Europe has embraced the clean power transition and set itself a goal of becoming the world’s number one in renewables.
Digital 19-10-2017

What is next for eGovernment ?

This year the Estonian EU Presidency is putting eGovernment at the forefront of discussions leading up to a Tallinn Declaration. Estonia is ranked number 1 in the EU and has emerged as a global leader in eGovernment operations.
Future of mobility 19-10-2017

Digital transport has huge potential but needs clear framework, standards

Digitalisation of transport is going to transform Europe's industry, but the political framework needs to put in place common standards and regulate the free flow of data, as well as its management and privacy, industry and EU officials said this week.
Batteries 18-10-2017

MEP: EU needs common standards for digital transport, data management

Europe will have to work hard against competitors in China and the US to be a global leader in digital solutions for transport, an MEP involved in the issue told EURACTIV.com in an interview. Legislation must ensure common standards across the EU for transport to flow freely, she stressed.
OpinionPromoted content
Digital 28-07-2017

Catalonia to host urban security and inclusive cities conference

Catalonia and Barcelona will host the sixth international conference on urban security and inclusive cities. President of the Government of Catalonia Carles Puigdemont Casamajó writes about how proud he is to be host of the conference.
Future of mobility 29-06-2017

Does car sharing really reduce car use?

Concerns that sharing schemes do not deliver a net reduction in car use are not supported by evidence, writes Greg Archer. Now, digitisation and the sharing economy provide an opportunity to reduce the number of vehicles in our cities even further, he contends.
Climate change 27-06-2017

It is high time to localise the energy transition

Donald Trump pulling out of the Paris Agreement is not the end of the world. Cities and towns are moving ahead in localising the energy transition but to fully harness their potential, local governments need to be empowered and equipped with the right tools, argues Philipp Thaler.
Digital 23-03-2017

How many smart cities are there in Europe?

Download PDF  

240 European cities with populations over 100,000 have some "smart city" features--meaning they use technology to improve their energy use, transport systems or other infrastructure, according to European Parliament research.
Digital 21-03-2017

European cities want 10 million ‘smart’ streetlamps

Local governments around Europe paid €7.6 billion to light public streets in 2015, but their bills could be cut down by up to 70% if local governments are willing to shell out extra funds to install new lighting.
Digital skills 06-03-2017

EIT Digital boss: Europe needs ‘global mentality’ in innovation

Europe lacks a "global mentality" when it comes to innovation in the digital technology sector, Director of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT Digital) Willem Jonker told EURACTIV Spain.
Broadband 27-02-2017

EU calls for greater industry involvement in 5G

The European Commission this week will urge EU member states and the private sector to get more involved in the development of the next generation of broadband networks enabling the digital revolution, as the World Mobile Congress opens in Barcelona.
Digital 09-02-2017

Czech MEP: Europe needs harmonised standards for smart cities

According to Dita Charanzová, smart cities are about bettering the lives of Europe's citizens. They'll not only improve urban life but the environment too, she told Euractiv.com
Contribute