News, News - Members Area

The 21st edition of the European Week of Regions and Cities will take place in Brussels from 9 to12 October 2023. Under the motto "innovation in transitionary times", the EU Week of Regions and Cities will contribute to the debate on the future of regional and urban policy, underlining the key narrative of cohesion as a fundamental EU value. 

Once again, the Architects' Council of Europe will be part of this 2023 edition! Discover our events and highlights!

• AI and language tools for better cross-border partnerships

When it comes to working or studying in a neighboring country or region, language remains a barrier for many.  By leveraging AI tools, businesses can transcend language limitations, enhance collaboration, and foster successful cross-cultural partnerships The aim of this workshop is to present how the European Commission's AI-based language tools can improve cross-border working. The focus will be on e-Translation, the European Commission's machine translation system.
This cutting-edge neural machine translation system can translate texts in 32 languages and can be integrated into computer applications and websites. During the workshop, good practices will be shared to illustrate the potential of the tools, such as the Conference on the Future of Europe Platform, which enabled citizens to share ideas on the future of the EU and the initiative of the Architects' Council of Europe in the process of implementing the tool to support knowledge sharing and promote inclusion.

With Markus FOTI Head of sector, European Commission, DGT and Diego Zoppi ACE EB Member.
Moderation by Anna HOLMEN Deputy head of unit, European Commission - DGT
Date: 12 October at 9:30 AM CET
Location: SQUARE Brussels Meeting Centre, Room 214-216
Register via this link.

• How to engage local communities to drive urban regeneration and social innovation

Learn more about how local communities and neighbourhoods engage citizens in sustainable urban transitions through social innovation and affordable housing. ARV, syn.ikia, oPEN Lab and FinEst Centre for Smart Cities will present innovative pilot projects where citizens were put in the driving seat for the urban transition. Several pilot projects demonstrating social innovation across Europe will be showcased and discussed, including social housing neighbourhoods and city-level projects.

The workshop is moderated by Julien DIJOL from Housing Europe and features contributions from Green Deal ARV, syn_ikiaEU, oPEN Lab and FinEst Centre for Smart Cities. Our speakers include Niki Gaitani, Maarten De Groote and Külle Tärnov.

Date: 10 October from 4.30 to 5.30 pm CET
Location: SQUARE Brussels Meeting Centre
Register via this link.

• What is beyond energy efficiency? 

The overlooked values of Sustainable Plus Energy Buildings and Neighbourhoods

This event aims at raising awareness on the multiple benefits of Sustainable Plus Energy buildings (PEBs) and Neighbourhoods (SPENs). Through a workshop session, we will provide evidence of the importance of a multiple benefits approach to support decision making when it comes to design plus energy buildings and neighbourhoods. We will also collect policy makers' needs and discuss how to ensure wide application of methodologies for the quantification and monetisation of the above-mentioned benefits.

Organised by EU-funded projects Cultural-E, syn.ikia and EXCESS, the event will take place on 11 October at the NTNU Brussels Office - Rue Guimard 9, 1040 Bruxelles.
Side event of the European Week of Regions and Cities.

Register here.