OpenEU and Eurocities launch a new training initiative to strengthen policymaking in European cities

Within the framework of the OpenEU alliance, the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) and Eurocities, have launched a new training initiative aimed at strengthening the capacity of European local governments to design evidence-informed public policies. In its pilot phase, the programme brings together 50 municipal staff members from 27 cities across Europe, responding to the growing need for data literacy and rigorous analysis in public decision-making.

At a time when cities are facing complex challenges such as sustainable mobility, the energy transition and access to housing, the programme provides practical tools to help local government professionals assess policy impact and make better use of public resources. The course was co-created by academic teams at the UOC, and experts from the Eurocities Academy -one of our associated partners-, in a collaborative effort that connects university knowledge with the real needs of local administrations.

This initiative highlights the potential of the OpenEU alliance to generate impact beyond higher education. By working together with key stakeholders such as Eurocities — a network representing more than 200 major European cities — the alliance helps bridge skills gaps in public administrations and supports stronger evidence-informed governance across Europe.

According to Pastora Martínez Samper, the UOC’s Commissioner for International Action and OpenEU Coordinator, “Collaborating with Eurocities enables us to address the pressing training needs of local administrations. Its positive reception demonstrates the importance of collaboration between universities and public administrations in the design of lifelong learning with a purpose.”

Strong demand for the first course from local government staff in 12 countries

Delivered fully online and in English, the programme aligns with European priorities on reskilling and upskilling, particularly under the Union of Skills agenda. Following the pilot phase, the course is expected to evolve into a flexible and scalable micro-credential, opening access to a wider community of local government professionals across Europe.

Beyond the course itself, the initiative lays the groundwork for a replicable model of collaboration between universities and public administrations. It shows how European university alliances can act as catalysts for addressing shared societal challenges, breaking down silos between academia and society, and creating solutions with tangible public value.