Looking back at Wrocław: Highlights from the U_CAN Consortium Meeting

From 21 to 23 May 2025, the U_CAN Project Consortium came together in Wrocław, Poland, for a three-day in-person meeting hosted by the Wrocław University of Science and Technology. 21 partner organisations and invited guests from across Europe and Ukraine gathered to reflect on progress, strengthen connections, and co-develop the next phase of our shared mission: helping six Ukrainian pilot cities move towards climate neutrality, in close collaboration with the EU Mission Cities.

Despite difficult conditions faced by Ukrainian municipalities, the project continues to make important strides – thanks to strong partnerships, local innovation, and consistent support from the Horizon Europe programme. This second offline meeting was both a checkpoint and a springboard: an opportunity to consolidate what has been achieved and generate fresh momentum for what comes next.

Day 1: Sharing Progress

The first day of the meeting was dedicated to project updates. Each work package shared achievements, lessons learned, and challenges faced. This open exchange allowed the Consortium to align expectations and see how individual efforts are contributing to the broader goal of sustainable urban transformation. Importantly, the day also created space to reflect on the realities faced by Ukrainian partners, and how the Consortium can best support them with practical tools, knowledge, and solidarity.

Day 2: Planning Together

The second day turned toward the future. In a series of focused working sessions, participants developed action plans for the next year – mapping key deliverables, identifying shared priorities, and looking for synergies between pilot cities, technical partners, and stakeholder engagement teams. Sessions were designed to be participatory and practical, encouraging ownership and cross-team collaboration. The result: a clearer, shared roadmap for the months ahead.

Day 3: Expanding Partnerships

On the final day, the spotlight shifted outward. A hybrid synergy workshop brought together representatives from the U_CAN pilot cities and the EU Mission Cities, creating space to share strategies, discuss challenges, and explore new pathways for cooperation. This exchange underlined the value of mutual learning – how cities from across Europe can benefit from each other’s experience, and how Ukrainian cities, in turn, contribute innovation, resilience, and perspective.

A heartfelt thank you goes to the European Commission for funding the U_CAN Project through Horizon Europe, and to the Wrocław University of Science and Technology for their warm hospitality and flawless organisation. The balance of formal work sessions and informal moments made it possible to build trust, deepen collaboration, and renew our commitment to the project’s goals.