Bologna takes center stage in Europe: A Model for the Mayors of Europe

On May 29-30, 2025, Bologna hosted Svetlana Tesic, co-founder of the independent platform Mayors of Europe, at the invitation of Anna Lisa Boni, City Councillor for EU Funds, Ecological Transition, and International Relations. The visit served as a key opportunity to showcase some of the city's most advanced climate, technological, and social policies, with the aim of highlighting them within the European network of mayors committed to promoting sustainable urban practices.

A focal point of the visit was the presentation of the European project Let's GOv, introduced by Paola Papini, Project Manager and member of Bologna's Climate Mission team. Coordinated by Bologna alongside eight other Italian cities under the NetZero Cities program, the project aims to test new models of urban governance to address the energy transition. Let's GOv stands out for its use of innovative financial tools, the strengthening of administrative and technical skills, and the direct involvement of citizens in strategic decision-making. The initiative drew particular interest from Dr. Tesic, who recognized it as one of the most promising examples of collaborative governance in Europe.

During her visit, Tesic also explored Bologna Climate Mission, the city's ambitious program to achieve climate neutrality by 2030. Backed by the Climate City Contract signed by both public and private stakeholders, the program was praised for its participatory approach and for Bologna's leadership as one of the 100 EU cities selected by the European Commission to spearhead the green transition.

Another key topic was urban digitalization through the Digital Twin project-a virtual, dynamic representation of the city based on data and predictive models-designed to support public decision-making and make Bologna more resilient, smart, and innovation-driven.

Tesic also visited the Foundation for Urban Innovation, a civic lab playing a vital role in participatory planning and citizen engagement on core urban issues such as climate, mobility, and digital transition. Today, the Foundation is regarded as a European benchmark for co-designing inclusive and sustainable public policies.

Svetlana Tesic's visit reaffirmed Bologna's central role in Europe as a hub of innovative urban policy. The experiences shared during these two days will be promoted within the Mayors of Europe Alliance and will help spread good practices internationally at a crucial time for the sustainable future of European cities.

 

Ultimo aggiornamento: venerdì 06 giugno 2025