On 12 March 2026, the Interreg projects Cool Cities and Cool Neighbourhoods will come together in Middelburg (NL) for a joint Midterm Event focused on tackling urban heat stress through collaboration, shared learning and applied practice.
The event marks an important moment for both projects, bringing together partners, policymakers, researchers and practitioners from across Interreg North-West Europe https://www.nweurope.eu/ and the North Sea Region https://northsearegion.eu/ to reflect on progress made so far and to exchange insights on how cities and neighbourhoods can become more resilient to rising temperatures.
Strengthening cooperation across programmes and regions
Although operating in different programme areas, Cool Cities and Cool Neighbourhoods address a common challenge: how to reduce heat stress in urban environments while improving health, liveability and environmental quality. By organising a joint midterm event, the projects underline the added value of European territorial cooperation, demonstrating how knowledge exchange across programmes can accelerate impact on the ground.
The event also connects with the GreenDense initiative, further reinforcing links between research, planning and implementation and highlighting how integrated approaches can support climate adaptation in dense urban contexts.
From urgency to implementation
The afternoon programme combines keynote contributions with applied case studies and thematic sessions. Topics include the urgency of the climate and biodiversity crisis, equitable planning of cooling networks, empowering communities across different neighbourhood typologies, and translating green strategies into practical interventions such as healthier streets and public spaces.
Rather than presenting a single solution, the programme reflects the diversity of urban contexts across Europe, encouraging participants to reflect on how approaches can be adapted and replicated within their own cities and neighbourhoods.
Programme and participation
The Midterm Event will take place at the Stadsschouwburg in Middelburg and includes a lunch and poster exhibition, expert presentations, and opportunities for discussion and exchange. Participation is free of charge.
Click the PDF to download the full invitation, providing detailed information on the programme, speakers and individual presentations. Please complete the registration form below if you would like to attend the conference.
For more background on the Cool Cities and Cool Neighbourhoods projects please visit their project websites:
👉 Cool Cities - Interreg NWE
👉 Cool Neighbourhoods - Interreg NWE
This joint event highlights how collaboration between projects, regions and disciplines can support more effective responses to urban heat — and contribute to cooler, healthier and more liveable cities and neighbourhoods across Europe.