European Urban Initiative – From National Restoration Plans to Greener Cities
The EU Nature Restoration Regulation (NRR) introduces binding targets to restore degraded ecosystems across the EU, including specific provisions for urban ecosystems. Member States are required to submit their National Restoration Plans (NRPs) by mid‑2026, outlining how they will deliver on these targets. This in-person capacity building event focuses on helping cities tackle these requirements.
While NRPs are being prepared primarily at national level, cities will play a critical role in implementation, particularly regarding:
● the no net loss of urban green space and tree canopy up to 2030;
● the progressive increase of urban green areas and tree cover after 2030;
● the deployment of nature‑based solutions for climate adaptation, flood prevention and urban liveability.
This highly relevant topic is expected to be a priority for cities starting with the second half of the year, when the national plans relative to this regulation will be made available. Understanding the obligations and getting practical solutions on how to implement, sharing tools and practices: these are some of the aspects that the event will focus on.
In order to best identify the cities’ needs related to this topic, a survey has been set-up, inviting urban administrations representatives to share their input. A pre-event webinar was organised on 9 June, focusing on implementation readiness: how cities can prepare organizationally, technically and financially to deliver NRR objectives once NRPs enter into force. The recording is available on the webinar webpage.
The event in Vienna will feed on the survey and the webinar and will provide participants with very practical information and cross-Europe inspiration:
● via highly relevant keynote speakers and panellists;
● during hands-on practical exercises and interactive sessions, featuring best practices from various Member states;
● in accommodating networking moments, during which participants will share and learn from one another;
● during site visits in and around Vienna, featuring relevant practices.
The EUI Secretariat can provide financial support for joining the event, through reimbursement of travel and accommodation expenses, under exceptional circumstances and for a limited number of representatives of EU cities/functional urban areas. Interested participants can apply for financial support here until 1 October 2026 at noon (12 CET). The EUI PS will analyse all claims in accordance with the rules of this support service and inform all applicants of the results by 7 October at the latest. Registration to attend the event will remain open until 15 October at noon (12 CET) TBC, but financial assistance requests will no longer be available after 1 October at noon.
The final event agenda will be made available on this page in the following months: make sure you subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media to not miss any information regarding this event.

Veranstaltungsbild: © GRÜNSTATTGRAU

