A European Alliance
of Mid-Sized Cities in Transition

About

A European Alliance
for Cities in Transition

A European Alliance for Cities in Transition

Europe is undergoing profound and accelerating change, as climate pressures, geopolitical uncertainty, and rapid technological advancement reshape economies, industries, and societies. These changes are unfolding in real places, with tangible consequences for people, labour markets, and local economies, as well as Europe’s competitiveness and resilience.

Mid-sized cities are often at the forefront of this transformation. They face growing pressure on housing, infrastructure, skills supply, and public services, while navigating industrial and economic change. Although many of these challenges are shared, there are few structured ways for cities to exchange experience and learn from one another.

Cities in Transition Europe (CITE) brings together mid-sized European cities undergoing major transformation. By connecting cities with first-hand experience of change, CITE enables direct, hands-on exchange and helps cities make more informed decisions, strengthen local capacity, and become better prepared for future challenges.

Cities

The Six Founding Cities

A European Alliance for Cities in Transition

The founding cities form the core of CITE. Each has undergone significant transformation and brings a distinct perspective shaped by its own context and pathway.Together, they represent a diverse yet aligned group of cities committed to learning from one another and shaping the future of the network.

Skellefteå

Over the past decade, Skellefteå has emerged as one of Europe’s most dynamic examples of rapid industrial transformation, driven by large-scale green investments in battery production and electrification. The city has experienced fast population growth, significant pressure on housing and infrastructure, and an urgent need to scale public services at unprecedented speed.

It is now entering a new phase of adjustment, reflecting how transformation unfolds over time. Skellefteå offers valuable insights into how mid-sized cities manage both rapid expansion and its consequences in a shifting economic context.

Linz

As Austria’s third-largest city, Linz is a leading example of long-term industrial transformation, evolving from a traditional steel-based economy into a hub for advanced manufacturing, innovation and culture.

The city has combined industrial strength with a growing knowledge and creative sector, while continuing to navigate the challenges of transitioning legacy industries. This reflects how transformation unfolds over time within established industrial systems. Linz demonstrates how mid-sized cities can maintain resilience while adapting to new economic conditions.

Košice

As Slovakia’s second-largest city, Košice has undergone a significant transformation from a heavy industrial centre into a more diversified economy, with growing strengths in technology, services and culture. Through sustained investment in innovation ecosystems, the city has strengthened its position in sectors such as IT and tech services while building a more resilient and forward-looking urban identity.

At the same time, Košice continues to face challenges in retaining young talent, making talent attraction and long-term competitiveness key priorities for its future development. Košice illustrates how post-industrial cities can redefine their identity while pursuing sustainable and inclusive growth.

Fundão

Located in central Portugal, Fundão is a smaller municipality that represents a different but equally important transformation pathway, shifting from a rural and declining economy towards a digital and talent-driven model. By attracting technology companies and remote workers, the city has revitalised both its economy and population.

Fundão continues to balance growth with long-term economic resilience. Fundão demonstrates how smaller and more peripheral regions can reposition themselves in response to structural change.

Dunkirk

Dunkirk stands at the forefront of Europe’s industrial transition, as one of the country’s key port cities undergoing a major shift from a traditional heavy industry and port-based economy towards climate-neutral production and green industry. With large-scale investments in decarbonisation, the city is attracting significant new industrial activity.

At the same time, Dunkirk is rethinking mobility and accessibility, including the introduction of fully free public transport to improve access and reduce car dependency.

This reflects a broader effort to balance industrial change with social inclusion and urban vitality. Dunkirk offers practical insights into how cities can transform existing industrial systems in a holistic way.

Wałbrzych

As a former coal mining centre in southwestern Poland, Wałbrzych experienced a profound economic shift following the rapid closure of its mining industry in the 1990s. The loss of its dominant sector led to long-term structural challenges, including unemployment and population decline.

Since then, the city has gradually transitioned towards a more diversified economy, supported by industrial redevelopment and new investment in manufacturing and services.

In parallel, Wałbrzych continues to address the legacy of its industrial past. The city illustrates how post-industrial regions rebuild over time while working towards greater resilience and sustainable growth.

Since then, the city has gradually transitioned towards a more diversified economy, supported by industrial redevelopment and new investment in manufacturing and services.