Living-in.EU Digital Assembly 2026
*Not a part of the official programme of the Forum; open to non-Eurocities participants, covered by Living-in.EU
The Living-in.EU Digital Assembly is the political advisory body of the Living-in.EU network. It is co-chaired by Lluïsa Moret Sabidó, Mayor of Sant Boi de Llobregat, and Ivan Goychev, Deputy Mayor for Digitalisation and Information Systems of Sofia. This flagship event brings together mayors, regional leaders and key stakeholders to debate the political priorities of the network and to provide strategic orientation in support of the twin green and digital transformation of EU cities and communities.
The 2026 edition will take place under the theme “Key Technologies for Future-Proof Cities: from data spaces to digital twins”. It will explore the data-driven journey of a city, regardless of its size: from identifying its needs and challenges, through mapping dependencies for federated data spaces, to developing and using data platforms and digital twins in urban planning.
Welcome remarks by the co-chairs of the Living-in.EU Digital Assembly
- Ivan Goychev, Deputy Mayor for Digitalisation and Information Systems of Sofia Municipality, Bulgaria
- Lluïsa Moret i Sabidó, President of Barcelona Provincial Council and Mayor of the city of Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
- Martin Bailey, Head of Unit A5 AI for Societal Good, DG CNECT, European Commission
The political debate will focus on how to identify the needs and challenges that cities and regions are facing and the right technology for addressing those needs. Following a welcome by the co-Chairs of the Assembly and a keynote speech, local leaders will explore how to link the development of digital solutions to the political priorities of the city. They will discuss topics such as data governance, prioritising investments, strategies to identify the most effective solutions, while ensuring the digital rights of citizens.
- Ivan Goychev, Deputy Mayor for Digitalisation and Information Systems, Sofia Municipality
- Lluïsa Moret, President of Barcelona Provincial Council and Mayor of the City of Sant Boi de Llobregat
- Johanna Laisaari, Deputy Mayor for Urban Environment, City of Helsinki
Moderator: André Sobczak, Secretary General, Eurocities
As cities are working to prepare for and adapt to climate change, they are increasingly using digital twins as part of their climate resilience strategies: Virtual models of the city based on real-time data allow local governments to simulate climate impact and test strategies to adapt to heatwaves and floods, or to manage energy grids, green spaces and low emission zones. However, digital twins rely on high-quality data, which requires collaboration from a complex network of stakeholders.
In this session, experts from cities will share examples on implementing data platforms, data spaces and digital twins to become more resilient to climate change, as an overarching challenge that covers environmental, mobility, and social aspects. Following an introduction to the EU digital twins landscape and the digital maturity of local administration, cities will present their use cases about digital twins for climate adaptation.
- Nadja Riedel, Deputy Head Smart City Unit, City of Leipzig
- Jochem Cooiman, Innovation Officer, City of Rotterdam
- Sophie Meszaros, Interoperability Strategy Lead, OASC
Moderator: Jan Wester, Director, LDT Citiverse EDIC
Hosted by Living-in.EU
Eurocities Digital Forum Meeting 2026
Day 1: Digital Democracy: Citizens, Policy, and Participation
First time attending the Digital Forum?
In this session, participants can gain a deeper understanding of Eurocities’ organisational structure and learn about the advantages of being a member. They will learn about the thematic areas of the Digital Forum and the different opportunities that offers for its members. Additionally, the session will provide a space for participants to engage in discussion with Eurocities’ team and voice specific needs and interests of their cities.
- Vasil Terziev, Mayor of Sofia, Member of the Eurocities ExCom, Eurocities Shadow Commissioner for Enlargement (TBC)
- Johanna Laisaari, Deputy Mayor for Urban Environment of Helsinki, Vice-Chair of the Digital Forum
- André Sobczak, Secretary General, Eurocities
Master of Ceremonies: Alexander Katzarski, Chief Expert, Projects and Digitalisation Policies Department, Sofia Municipality
Setting the scene for the Digital Forum 2026.
- Vasil Terziev, Mayor of Sofia, Member of the Eurocities ExCom, Eurocities Shadow Commissioner for Enlargement (TBC)
- Johanna Laisaari, Deputy Mayor for Urban Environment of Helsinki, Vice-Chair of the Digital Forum
- André Sobczak, Secretary General, Eurocities
Moderator: Sophie Woodville, Digital Program Manager, Bordeaux Métropole, Technical Chair of the Digital Forum
The next 3 sessions take place in parallel
This interactive session will present concrete case studies and best practices from cities deploying federated data spaces to enhance their public services, while fully safeguarding data sovereignty. Participants will share insights on emerging approaches and lessons learned, and exchange perspectives on how data spaces can unlock smarter, more citizen‑centric urban solutions.
- Jan Wester, Director of the European Digital Infrastructure Consortium for Networked Local Digital Twins towards a European Citiverse (LDT CitiVERSE EDIC)
- Arnis Gulbis, Director of Riga Digital Agency, City of Riga
- Mária Kostická, Deputy Director of the Digitisation Unit/Deputy CDO, City of Bratislava
- Presentation by the City of Oulu (TBC)
Moderator: Ljubo Georgiev, Deputy Mayor for Urban Planning and Development of Sofia Municipality
This interactive session will explore how digital tools and innovations can enhance city services and contribute to more inclusive, efficient, and citizen‑responsive urban environments. Through practical examples and peer discussions, it will provide a platform for representatives of cities and the European institutions to exchange on challenges, opportunities, and best practices.
- Ana Carneiro, CEO and Board Member, Porto Digital
- Anni Orttenvuori-Ganter, Lead Data and Knowledge Architect, City of Espoo
- Sofia Yovcheva, Senior Expert, Projects and Digitalisation Policies Department, Sofia Municipality
- Valery Buchinsky, Autor and Maintainer of OboApp
- Boyan Yurukov, Open Data and Transparency Advocate, Founder of GovAlert.eu
Moderator: Joro Penchev, Senior Expert, World Bank
This high-level political meeting will bring together political representatives to foster discussion and collaboration on strategic aspects shaping Europe’s rapidly evolving digital transformation. The session will provide space for participants to exchange views on key digital policy priorities, reflect on shared challenges and opportunities, and explore strategic actions to strengthen cities’ voices in EU digital policymaking.
Moderator: André Sobczak, Secretary General, Eurocities
Venue: Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia (Ivan Vazov, Vitosha Blvd 89B, 1463 Sofia, Bulgaria)
Hosted by Sofia Municipality.
Dress code is business casual.
Eurocities Digital Forum Meeting 2026
Day 2: People, Policies, and Technologies
This session will bring together CIOs from European cities to provide a platform for fostering strategic discussion and collaboration, exchanging insights, discussing common challenges, and exploring emerging trends in digital transformation, innovation, and people-centred digital governance.
- Chair: Ivan Goychev, Deputy Mayor for Digitalisation and Information Systems of Sofia Municipality
The next 3 sessions take place in parallel
- Pau Balcells, WG Data Chair; Program Manager, Municipal Data Office, City of Barcelona
- Pieter-Jan Pauwels, WG Data Vice-Chair; AI Program Manager and International Policy Advisor – District09, City of Ghent
- Ari Saine, WG Data Vice-Chair; Smart City Manager, Business Oulu, City of Oulu
- Arnis Gulbis, WG Data Vice-Chair; Director of Riga Digital Agency, City of Riga
- Alekss Vecvanags, Data Analyst, Riga Digital Agency
- Sophie Meszaros, Interoperability Strategy Lead, OASC (TBC)
This interactive workshop will explore the implications of AI for digital citizenship, wellbeing and participation in cities. As AI‑driven systems increasingly shape online environments, public services and everyday decision‑making, cities are navigating questions of trust, inclusion, safety and skills. Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on key AI trends and exchange on how AI skills can strengthen civic capacity, support ethical and inclusive approaches, and contribute to safer, fairer and more human‑centred digital transformation.
- Pedro Campos Ponce, WG Digital Citizenship Chair; Coordinator Team EU & International, City of Amsterdam
- Sherelle Fairweather, WG Digital Citizenship Vice-Chair; Digital Strategy Lead, City of Manchester
-
Anni Orttenvuori-Ganter, Lead Data and Knowledge Architect, City of Espoo
Join WG Foresight in Sofia for an energizing workshop, where we will explore together the key developments shaping the digital future of cities and learn how to navigate uncertainty with explorative scenario planning. Discover how futures thinking can strengthen your city’s strategic edge and inspire smarter long‑term decision-making.
- Jochem Cooiman, WG Foresight Co-Chair; Innovation Officer, City of Rotterdam
- Tanguy De Lestré, WG Foresight Co-Chair; Advisor Innovation & Smart City, Paradigm Brussels, Brussels Capital Region
- Wim de Kinderen, Co-Chair of the Digital Forum Lab; Programme Director European Affairs, Brainport Eindhoven EU Office
- Guillermo Obispo San Roman, Co-Lead of the Digital Forum Cybersecurity Community of Practice; Head of the Coordination Service, Cybersecurity Centre of the Madrid City Council
Meeting point: Grand Hotel Millenium Sofia
Discover Sofia: A Journey Through Time
Step into the heart of Bulgaria’s vibrant capital and uncover Sofia’s fascinating layers of history. From ancient Roman ruins to stunning Orthodox churches, Sofia offers a unique blend of past and present. Wander through cobblestone streets lined with neoclassical buildings, explore centuries-old landmarks and hear the stories that shaped this remarkable city. Highlights of the tour include:
- The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral – A masterpiece of architecture and one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world.
- The Roman City of Serdica – Walk among the remains of the ancient city of Serdica that tell the tale of Sofia’s Roman origins.
- The National Palace of Culture & Vitosha Boulevard – Discover the city’s modern pulse alongside its deep history.
Join us on this journey to experience Sofia not just as a city, but as a living chronicle of culture, history and present.
Please note that there will be a bus bringing attendees from Grand Hotel Millenium to the first stop of the walking tour.
The last stop of the tour will be the venue of the Informal Dinner.
Hosted by the Sofia Municipality. Join fellow participants for an evening of networking and more! Dress code is business casual.
Eurocities Digital Forum Meeting 2026
Day 3: Collaboration for a Sustainable Digital Future – Real-World Application
Please note that the site visits on Day 3 take place in parallel. Participants can attend only one of them.
Meeting point: Grand Hotel Millenium Sofia
- 8:30 - 8.45: Delegates gather at the meeting point
- 8:45 - 9:15: Transfer to the site visits
The visit will start with a welcome from the GATE team and a brief introduction to the GATE Institute mission and research (Big Data for Smart Society), the first Centre of Excellence in Big Data and Artificial Intelligence in Eastern Europe, established in 2019.
GATE’s planned programme will include presentations and live demonstrations showcasing the Institute’s expertise in Artificial Intelligence, Digital Twins, data spaces, and data-intensive systems, and highlighting how these technologies are applied to real-world city challenges, offering a direct look at how data-driven solutions support smarter cities.
Sofia Tech Park is the first science and technology park in Bulgaria. It focuses on key areas such as information technologies, life sciences, and green energy. The Park brings together interconnected units that work in synergy to support innovation, technology development, scientific research, and entrepreneurship.
The visit will start with a tour of key facilities, including the Supercomputer and selected laboratories, followed by meetings with representatives of the local startup and innovation ecosystem. It will also showcase how the Park’s units work together to support research, technology development, and entrepreneurship.
Participants who are already at GATE Institute will have a slightly longer site visit. All the participants will gather at GATE for the Business meeting.
This session will look back on the main outcomes of the event, and how they will inform the work of the Digital Forum for the remainder of 2026. We will also discuss the forthcoming activities and opportunities for Digital Forum members, highlighting the key insights, takeaways and best practices that cities can bring back home, and how the inspiring discussions from the three days will help us refine our advocacy messages for the new European Commission and Parliament.
- Key takeaways and next steps
- Forthcoming activities and opportunities for Digital Forum members
- People of Eurocities
- Next Digital Forum – call for hosts 2027
- Closing words from the Forum Chair and VC
Moderated by: Chiara Venturini, Head of Digital Transformation and Economic Development, Eurocities
