Cool Neighbourhoods: Partner Meeting in Luxembourg

Transforming Urban Spaces with Vision and Royal Recognition

In July 2025, the Cool Neighbourhoods project, part of the Interreg North-West Europe (NWE) initiative, brought together the 13 partners from all over nortwestern Europe for a meeting in Luxembourg. Held over two dynamic days, this gathering was a blend of learning, reflection, and forward-thinking planning, set against the inspiring backdrop of local urban renewal. From Kirchberg to Esch-sur-Alzette, Differdange, and Ettelbruck, the event underscored a shared commitment to creating climate-resilient, liveable urban spaces.

Kick-off And visit of the pilot site in Differdange

The meeting kicked off on July 1 with a warm welcome dinner in Luxembourg City at Restaurant Beet, setting the tone for collaboration. The following day, at the PRO-SUD office in Esch-sur-Alzette, partners dove into critical discussions. Key sessions included a training scheme workshop led by Claire Koreman from the Province of Antwerp, which explored e-learning possibilities for urban climate strategies, and a deep dive into Neighbourhood Heat Stress Action Plans (NHSAPs) by Except from Middelburg, where pilot updates and insights were shared. The day concluded with a site visit to Differdange, showcasing a future green wall and the innovative “City Trees” project at 1535—a testament to the green transition of a historically industrial city.

© Minett UNESCO Biosphere / Syndicat PRO-SUD

Ettelbruck: A parking lot transformed into a green space

On July 3, the focus shifted to Ettelbruck at the Ville d’Ettelbruck, with sessions on project management, citizen science, and the Cool Neighbourhoods Liveability Index—a tool to track green transformation and citizen wellbeing—led by experts from the University of Antwerpen. The afternoon featured another inspiring pilot visit in Ettelbruck, highlighting tangible progress in reimagining grey spaces. The day ended with a convivial dinner at Restaurant Kaell, fostering camaraderie among partners.

The meeting’s highlights were numerous and action-oriented. Partners explored NHSAPs, reviewed pilot results, and provided feedback on an e-training platform designed to equip cities with climate adaptation tools. Peer-to-peer exchanges on stakeholder engagement and impact measurement enriched the dialogue, while site visits to Differdange and Ettelbruck offered concrete examples of urban spaces evolving into multifunctional, climate-resilient areas. These visits illustrated how nature-based solutions can combat heat stress, boost biodiversity, and enhance community wellbeing.

© Minett UNESCO Biosphere / Syndicat PRO-SUD & Ville d’Ettelbruck

Royal Recognition

A truly unforgettable moment came on July 4 during an optional visit to the Foire Agricole in Ettelbruck, where the Cool Neighbourhoods project received a remarkable honor—a royal visit from His Royal Highness the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, accompanied by the Hereditary Grand Duke and Grand Duchess. Welcomed by Mayor Bob Steichen and project lead Sacha Oberweis, the Grand Ducal Family toured the Ettelbruck pilot site, once a sprawling car park now being transformed into a green, multi-purpose space. This project exemplifies the broader goals of the Cool Neighbourhoods Project: promoting sustainable urban development and community engagement.

The royal endorsement underscored the national significance of local climate action. It highlighted how cities, regardless of size, can lead meaningful change by building cooler, greener, and more inclusive neighbourhoods. The visit was a powerful recognition of the efforts across all nine Cool Neighbourhoods pilot sites, affirming that urban transformation is not just a local endeavor but a regional and national priority.

The Cool Neighbourhoods team extends heartfelt gratitude to the Grand Ducal Family for their genuine interest in climate resilience. This meeting was more than a gathering—it was a catalyst for action, proving that collaborative innovation can turn urban challenges into opportunities for a sustainable future.

Details and the complete newsfeed of the Cool Neighbourhoods Project are available on the offical web site: www.coolneighbourhoods.nweurope.eu