The CITE conference 2026 has ended

The CITE conference 2026 has ended

CITE Conference 2026

The first CITE Conference took place in Skellefteå, Sweden, on 9–10 June 2026, as part of the New European Bauhaus Festival.

Under the theme “Cities in Transition – How mid-sized cities are shaping Europe’s future”, the conference brought together European cities undergoing major industrial, social, economic and environmental transformation.

Over two days, participating cities shared experiences from rapid growth, post-industrial recovery, economic diversification, climate transition, skills development and new approaches to governance. The focus was on practical learning: what has worked, what has been challenging, and what other cities can learn from real transformation processes.

The conference also marked the presentation of the CITE Declaration, signed by the mayors of the founding cities. Through the declaration, the cities express their shared commitment to strengthening cooperation, peer learning and a common European voice for mid-sized cities in transition.

The work to develop CITE now continues with full force. The founding cities will continue shaping the alliance, developing future cooperation formats and preparing the next steps. More information will be shared soon.


Below is the programme from the first CITE Conference:

Conference Programme,
9–10 June 2026

09.30 - 10.00

Registration & Welcome Coffee

10.00 - 10.30

Welcome Address

Evelina Fahleson, Mayor of Skellefteå

Moderator Introduction

Maddy Savage, journalist and international moderator

From Strategy to Reality: Delivering Transformation in Europe’s Cities

Palle Lundberg, CEO, Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions

10.30 - 11.00

Special Guest Keynote – Uzhhorod, Ukraine

Extreme transitions: How a city responds to sudden change

11.00 - 12.00

Theme 1 – Governing Transformation

Linz, Austria

Rebuilding Trust: Aligning Industry and City for Transformation

Ana Zuljevic, Head of Economy & Innovation, City of Linz

Linz illustrates how trust and coordination between industry, the city and innovation actors enable transformation. The case highlights governance models that support joint decision-making and long-term alignment.

Dunkirk, France

On the Path to Climate Neutrality: Industry, Energy and Quality of Life

Xavier Dairaine, Director of Strategic Projects, City of Dunkirk

Dunkirk is combining industrial transition, energy transformation and environmental goals with measures such as free public transport to improve quality of life. The case highlights how climate action can support both economic development and social cohesion.

12.00 - 13.30

Lunch and Networking

13.30 - 14.45

Theme 2 – Managing Growth and Structural Change

Wałbrzych, Poland

Rebuilding After Collapse: Restoring Economy and Workforce

Arkadiusz Grudzien, Chief Executive Officer of InVałbrzych, City of Wałbrzych

Following the closure of coal mining, Wałbrzych has rebuilt its economy by attracting new industries and reskilling its workforce. The experience demonstrates how longterm efforts can restore jobs and local confidence.

Skellefteå, Sweden

From Boom to Adjustment: Navigating Rapid Growth and Sudden Change

Kristina Sundin Jonsson, Municipality Director, City of Skellefteå

Rapid growth driven by green industry has created pressure on housing, skills and infrastructure, followed by periods of adjustment. The case highlights lessons from one of Europe’s most dramatic societal transformations.

14.45 - 15.15

Coffee Break and Networking

15.15 - 16.30

Theme 3 – Building the Future Economy

Fundão, Portugal

Competing Without Scale: Attracting Talent Beyond Major Cities

Michaela Gil, European Affairs Officer, City of Fundão

Fundão demonstrates how a small city can attract talent and build a digital economy. The case highlights how skills, housing and quality of life create growth without metropolitan scale.

Košice, Slovakia

Building a Second Economy: Expanding Beyond Industry

Miso Hudak, Director of Business Strategy at Business Košice, City of Košice

Košice presents how new sectors can grow alongside an industrial base. By linking universities, business and innovation, the city strengthens its tech economy and talent retention.

16.30 - 17.00

Closing Session and presentation of the CITE Declaration

Conference Programme,
9–10 June 2026

09.30 - 10.00

Registration & Welcome Coffee

10.00 - 10.30

Welcome Address

Evelina Fahleson, Mayor of Skellefteå

Moderator Introduction

Maddy Savage, journalist and international moderator

From Strategy to Reality: Delivering Transformation in Europe’s Cities

Palle Lundberg, CEO, Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions

10.30 - 11.00

Special Guest Keynote – Uzhhorod, Ukraine

Extreme transitions: How a city responds to sudden change

11.00 - 12.00

Theme 1 – Governing Transformation

Linz, Austria

Rebuilding Trust: Aligning Industry and City for Transformation

Ana Zuljevic, Head of Economy & Innovation, City of Linz

Linz illustrates how trust and coordination between industry, the city and innovation actors enable transformation. The case highlights governance models that support joint decision-making and long-term alignment.

Dunkirk, France

On the Path to Climate Neutrality: Industry, Energy and Quality of Life

Xavier Dairaine, Director of Strategic Projects, City of Dunkirk

Dunkirk is combining industrial transition, energy transformation and environmental goals with measures such as free public transport to improve quality of life. The case highlights how climate action can support both economic development and social cohesion.

12.00 - 13.30

Lunch and Networking

13.30 - 14.45

Theme 2 – Managing Growth and Structural Change

Wałbrzych, Poland

Rebuilding After Collapse: Restoring Economy and Workforce

Arkadiusz Grudzien, Chief Executive Officer of InVałbrzych, City of Wałbrzych

Following the closure of coal mining, Wałbrzych has rebuilt its economy by attracting new industries and reskilling its workforce. The experience demonstrates how longterm efforts can restore jobs and local confidence.

Skellefteå, Sweden

From Boom to Adjustment: Navigating Rapid Growth and Sudden Change

Kristina Sundin Jonsson, Municipality Director, City of Skellefteå

Rapid growth driven by green industry has created pressure on housing, skills and infrastructure, followed by periods of adjustment. The case highlights lessons from one of Europe’s most dramatic societal transformations.

14.45 - 15.15

Coffee Break and Networking

15.15 - 16.30

Theme 3 – Building the Future Economy

Fundão, Portugal

Competing Without Scale: Attracting Talent Beyond Major Cities

Michaela Gil, European Affairs Officer, City of Fundão

Fundão demonstrates how a small city can attract talent and build a digital economy. The case highlights how skills, housing and quality of life create growth without metropolitan scale.

Košice, Slovakia

Building a Second Economy: Expanding Beyond Industry

Miso Hudak, Director of Business Strategy at Business Košice, City of Košice

Košice presents how new sectors can grow alongside an industrial base. By linking universities, business and innovation, the city strengthens its tech economy and talent retention.

16.30 - 17.00

Closing Session and presentation of the CITE Declaration

© Skellefteå kommun 2026

© Skellefteå kommun 2026