Vienna: A leading Interreg hub for mobility, sustainability, and social innovation
How cooperation is transforming one of Europe’s most vibrant territories into a model of sustainability, innovation, and progress
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Following the article Are there Interreg cooperation hubs in Europe?, we begin a series exploring the most active Interreg hubs, regions where collaboration has shaped not only projects but the future of communities. Since 1990, Interreg has been building bridges between regions, fostering partnerships to tackle shared challenges and create lasting solutions. Among the fifteen most active hubs identified in the keep.eu database, Vienna stands out as a dynamic center for innovation and cooperation.
Is it a plane? A bird? No, it’s an Interreg hub!
So, what do we mean by hubs? They’re regions where a high concentration of Interreg projects is driving real change across multiple sectors. These hubs aren’t just about a single city, they stretch across surrounding regions and cross borders, creating networks of collaboration. The “Vienna hub” is one such dynamic region, tackling pressing challenges through projects focused on clean mobility, sustainable urban planning, social inclusion, and economic innovation.
But what’s making a difference in the region? Which key themes are turning ideas into real impact on the ground?
To understand the changes happening in the area, we can look at the transformative projects addressing its most pressing challenges. One of the key focuses in the Vienna hub is mobility and transport innovation. With bustling urban centers and connections to neighboring countries, reducing emissions and improving transport systems is a shared priority. Projects like EfficienCE are revolutionising public transport by integrating renewable energy solutions, while CityWalk2.0 is redesigning urban spaces to encourage walking and reduce car dependency.
- Another prominent theme is sustainability and environmental protection that aims to make cities greener, improving air quality, and managing resources more effectively. Initiatives like CityNature have enhanced urban biodiversity by integrating nature-based solutions into city planning through the creation of green corridors and spaces that support wildlife while providing recreational areas for residents, contributing to overall urban sustainability.
Photo: Alisa Anton The Vienna hub is also making strides in promoting social inclusion and creating opportunities for all. Projects such as SIforREF are creating safe spaces for refugees to integrate and thrive, transforming challenges into opportunities for both newcomers and local communities. Meanwhile, efforts like CERIecon empower young entrepreneurs to innovate and grow businesses that support both people and the environment.
These developments highlight broader trends in regional cooperation within Central Europe. By addressing shared challenges, the Vienna hub contributes to advancements in mobility, sustainable infrastructure, and social inclusion. Its approach reflects a focus on practical, collaborative solutions supported by a well-established tradition of cross-border partnerships. This combination positions the Vienna hub as an active participant and a significant contributor to international cooperation efforts.
