Innovative and sustainable urban solutions - Gabrovo
On February 12-13, 2025, Gabrovo hosted the fifth international meeting of the UrbanCOOP project, funded by the Interreg Europe program. Sixteen urban development experts from six European countries—Italy, Romania, Estonia, Spain, Ireland, and Bosnia and Herzegovina—gathered in Gabrovo to exchange ideas and best practices for better governance and sustainable urban development.
The event agenda featured insightful presentations, discussions, and site visits showcasing innovative and sustainable urban solutions. One of the key highlights was the concept for the Christo and Jeanne-Claude Center, an ambitious project aimed at revitalizing Gabrovo’s riverside area through integrated territorial investment. Participants also had the opportunity to explore the transformation of the former Summer Theater into a modern Youth Center, designed to empower and support young people.
A major focus of the discussions was Gabrovo’s Climate City Contract and its ambitious goal of reducing carbon emissions by more than 80% by 2030. Participants explored the establishment of Bulgaria’s first energy community, a pioneering initiative that unites the municipality, businesses, and key stakeholders to accelerate the transition to renewable energy. The meeting also highlighted Gabrovo Innovation Camp, a forum where different sectors collaborate to develop creative solutions to shared urban challenges. Smart city innovations were also in the spotlight, with Gabrovo showcasing its AI-powered intelligent parking management system, designed to enhance urban mobility.
"Urban development is about more than just infrastructure—it thrives on collaboration between institutions, businesses, academia, and NGOs. Truly sustainable solutions happen when all key players take an active role in shaping the future," said Gabrovo’s Mayor, Tanya Hristova, as she welcomed the international partners.
The meeting reinforced the importance of knowledge exchange among European cities in developing effective and lasting urban solutions. The UrbanCOOP project will continue to foster innovation and good governance in urban development, with Gabrovo remaining a committed partner—demonstrating that successful cities are built through vision, collaboration, and strong leadership.