The NUDGES project played an active role in the European Urban Initiative (EUI) Capacity Building Event held in Athens on the 3-4 June 2026, contributing to a vibrant exchange of ideas on how European cities can accelerate the transition towards climate neutrality. The event gathered urban practitioners, policymakers, and project representatives from across Europe, creating a collaborative space for sharing knowledge, experiences, and innovative solutions to today’s pressing climate challenges.
Moving Beyond Infrastructure: The Power of Behavioural Change
As cities continue to invest in green infrastructure and technological solutions, there is growing recognition that these measures alone are not sufficient to deliver lasting impact. A fundamental shift in human behaviour is equally critical. This is where the NUDGES project brings unique added value.
At the EUI event, NUDGES highlighted how behavioural science can support urban climate strategies by influencing everyday decisions in subtle but effective ways. Through carefully designed “nudges” — small, data-driven interventions — the project demonstrates how citizens can be encouraged to adopt more sustainable habits, from reducing energy consumption to improving waste practices and mobility choices.
These approaches are not only cost-effective but also highly adaptable, making them particularly relevant for cities seeking scalable and replicable solutions.
Engaging Cities Through Interactive Learning
NUDGES contributed to the event through interactive workshops and transferability sessions, where participants had the opportunity to explore practical applications of behavioural insights in real-world urban contexts.
The sessions focused on two key dimensions:
- Co-designing with communities: Emphasising the importance of engaging citizens, businesses, and local stakeholders in shaping climate actions. By involving communities from the outset, cities can foster a sense of ownership, increase acceptance, and ensure that solutions respond to local needs.
- Driving behavioural change: Showcasing how behavioural interventions can help overcome persistent barriers to change. Through case-based discussions, participants explored how nudging techniques can shift mindsets, build new habits, and reinforce sustainable behaviours over time.
This hands-on approach allowed attendees to move beyond theory and gain practical insights into how behavioural strategies can be embedded into local policies and governance frameworks.
Supporting Cities in the Green Transition
A key message emerging from the NUDGES participation was the importance of integrating human-centric approaches into climate planning. While policies and infrastructure provide the framework, it is people’s daily choices that ultimately determine the success of sustainability efforts.
By combining behavioural science with urban policy, NUDGES supports cities in:
- Enhancing citizen engagement and participation
- Increasing the effectiveness of climate measures
- Ensuring long-term adoption of sustainable practices
- Addressing local challenges with tailored, context-specific solutions
The project’s work aligns closely with wider European priorities on climate resilience, circular economy, and inclusive urban development, reinforcing its relevance within the GLA Mission and beyond.
Strengthening Collaboration Across Europe
Participation in the EUI Capacity Building Event also provided an important opportunity to connect with other initiatives, share experiences, and build synergies across projects and cities. These exchanges are essential for scaling up successful approaches and ensuring that knowledge is effectively transferred across different contexts.
For NUDGES, the event reaffirmed the growing interest in behavioural innovation as a key driver of the green transition. It also highlighted the value of collaboration in unlocking new ideas, strengthening methodologies, and accelerating impact at the local level.
Looking Ahead
As European cities navigate increasingly complex climate challenges, the need for integrated, people-centred solutions becomes ever more evident. The NUDGES project continues to demonstrate that behavioural change is not a complementary aspect of climate action—it is a central pillar.
Building on the insights and connections gained at the EUI event in Athens, NUDGES will continue to support cities in designing and implementing innovative interventions that empower communities, shift behaviours, and create more sustainable urban futures.
