Learning from European Cities
A webinar to hear from the 2026 European City of the Year finalists and launch the voting for this category
Date: Friday 23 October 2026
Time: 13:00 - 14:30 BST
Location: Online via Zoom
Join us virtually this autumn as we hear from from the Urbanism Awards' 2026 finalists about the stories that have shaped great places across the UK and Europe.
This session will focus on the European City of the Year finalists who will introduce each place and share the case studies that have helped make the city a successful urban place – touching on the assessment criteria of Leadership + Governance; Local Character; Amenity + Housing; Commercial Success + Viability; Environmental Sustainability; Community, Health + Wellbeing; Connectivity; and Joy (2026 theme).
European City of the Year finalists
Groningen is a standout Dutch city showcasing exemplary housing innovation, sustainable urban logistics, and world-class cycling infrastructure, offering valuable lessons in progressive, high-quality northern European urbanism.
Prato is a remarkable Italian city successfully blending circular economy principles, textile manufacturing heritage, multicultural integration, and community-led regeneration into a uniquely compelling and scalable urban model.
Tirana impresses with its pioneering child-centred approach to urbanism, incremental tactical improvements, and inclusive public spaces that are transforming city life in inspiring ways.
Speakers
Valerio Barberis
Representing Prato, Italy
Valerio Barberis is an architect, urban designer and PhD in Architectural and Urban Design. He was Professor at the University of Florence and served as Councillor for Urban Planning, Public Works, Environment and Circular Economy for the City of Prato from 2014 to 2024. He contributed to Prato’s urban development strategy, focusing on regeneration, circular economy, urban forestry, ecological transition and climate neutrality. Founder of Barberis & Partners, he works with public and private organisations on urban planning and sustainable territorial transformation. His research explores the relationship between architecture, urban policies and environmental transition. He has participated in international events including the Venice Architecture Biennale and Oslo Architecture Triennale.
Anuela Ristani
Representing Tirana, Albania
Anuela Ristani is currently serving as Acting Mayor of Tirana and Deputy Mayor in charge of International Affairs and Sustainable Development. She joined the City in 2015 as the Chief of Staff, and was appointed Deputy after 2019 elections. During her work for the city she has overseen the Green City Action Plan, the Tirana Child Friendly agenda and the Resilience and Sustainability strategies. Prior to joining local government she established the National Youth Service where she also co-founded RYCO -Regional Youth Cooperation Office with the participation of the six Western Balkan Countries. Ms. Ristani joined public service from more than a decade of experience with multinational corporations and International Organizations where she’s served as Strategic Management and Communications expert.
Groningen speaker to be announced
Voting
This webinar acts as a precursor to Urbanism Awards voting, which will open in this category directly following the event. Links to European City assessment reports and the voting form will be circulated to webinar attendees and the AoU Membership in the afternoon of Friday 23 October, once this event has taken place.
Access to assessment reports and voting is restricted to AoU Members only.
Voting for other categories will open directly following the respective 'Learning from' webinars on the following dates:
- Friday 2 October: Great Streets + Spaces
- Friday 9 October: Great Neighbourhoods
- Friday 16 October: Great Towns / Small Cities
Winners will be announced at the Urbanism Awards Party on Wednesday 11 November 2026.
4-for-3! Non-Members can attend all four 'Learning from' sessions for the price of three by getting in touch at [email protected], or join the AoU as a member for free access to all online sessions and Urbanism Awards voting.
