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Le 24/07/2025

Brussels Urban Talks : an opportunity to discuss new ideas, share experiences, and build bridges

Launched last year, the Brussels Urban Talks are regular meetings which regroup metropoles and cities representatives that are present in Brussels.

At the beginning of July, Lille Metropole hosted the sixth edition of Brussels Urban Talks. Launched in 2024, the Brussels Urban Talks are regular meetings which regroup metropoles and cities representatives that are present in Brussels. These meetings are an opportunity to discuss new ideas, share experiences, and build bridges. During this session, we learned about: 

  • How the municipality of Groningen is promoting energy-sharing initiatives between neighbours, thereby reducing bills and consumption ;
  • Fostering social digital resilience with the safety and security campus in the municipality of Assen ;
  • Lille Metropole's sustainable transition course for SMEs: how the municipality is proving support to young companies to foster robust and sustainable business models with a positive impact on the region ;
  • Circularity, the reuse of materials and Building Information Modeling in the Blanchemaille refurbishment project in Roubaix (Lille Metropole). 
Brussels Urban Talks presentation

Following these interesting insights, participants were also invited to take part in an afternoon workshop, co-organised with Eurocities, to discuss the topic of public procurement and the challenges facing cities and metropoles. The workshop revolved around three core themes : 

  • Simplification (flexibility, harmonization with sectoral legislation, ressources)

  • Sustainibility (environmental/social performance to reward bidders)

  • Buy European principle (measures to support local food…)

With public procurement is emerging as a central tool to drive European sustainability and innovation, this workshop was an opportunity to discuss common issues, propose potential solutions, and build synergies. Many thanks to all the speakers and participants.

 

Looking forward : SAVE THE DATE – 15th October   

Mark your calenders ! Lille Metropole will organise another Brussels Urban Talks session specifically dedicated the topic of mobility during the European Week for Cities and Regions. During this upcoming session, Lille Metropole will be presenting the GreenMo project, an ambitious urban mobility investment programme which received a €245 million green loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB), and €31.5 million subsidy from the European Commission. We will also share our ongoing work on a major survey of travel habits in our territory and would like to hear about your best practices in this regard. 

Do you or your colleagues from your local mobility/transport departments wish to present a local good practice or a European project ? Get in touch with Lisa Fontaine to secure a presentation spot. First come first served ! We look forward to seeing you there.