European cities who wish to exchange with a city facing similar challenges in another global region are encouraged to apply for the International Urban Cooperation (IUC) city-to-city cooperation programme on sustainable urban development. The programme aims to foster links between EU cities and those in China, Latin America and the Caribbean, India, Japan, and North America.

Through the programme, local leaders will be able to connect and gain new perspectives on pressing sustainable development issues. Submissions for pairings with Chinese cities (Chongqing, Shantou, Zhengzhou, Changchun/Jingyue, Longyan) are open until 10 April 2017.

Successful candidates will be paired with a city that faces related challenges, allowing both parties to build cooperation and share knowledge. Representatives from each city will take part in study tours, staff exchanges, and trainings and seminars, and will together develop a local action plan to drive sustainable urban development.

Local leaders can apply to take part in the programme through filling in the application form.

For more information, click here or contact Image copyright: Image (Flickr) by "Friends of Europe", licensed under CC BY 2.0 more   29 March 2017 Zaragoza to replace 39 vehicles with electric carsThe City of Zaragoza (Spain) has replaced 39 conventionally fueled vehicles with electric cars as part of their commitment to reducing harmful emissions. The department of Transport carried out a study on the vehicles to be replaced in the municipal fleet resulting in a Multiannual Renewal Plan. This plan has an economic endowment of 1.5 million euros to be executed in three years (2017, 2018 and 2019) and is part of the 2020 commitment to reduce CO2 emissions.

This is the most ambitious fleet renewal in recent years and will affect 67 percent of future vehicles acquired by the city council, ensuring that they are zero emission vehicles. The change will primarily affect cars and light vehicles (small freight vans).

The plan is currently in the drafting phase. The first vehicles are expected to be purchased in the second half of 2017.

For more information, click here (Spanish)Image copyright: Saragossa (Pixabay) more

» Publication Date: 30/03/2017

» Source: Iclei Europe

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