Portico - EU platform on Sustainable Urban Development

Portico is a European urban knowledge and community platform developed by the European Urban Initiative (EUI) and funded by the European Union. The platform connects city actors with essential resources, people, and tools for sustainable urban development across Europe. It positions itself as “the EU gateway to urban learning,” aiming to support the design, implementation, and delivery of sustainable urban initiatives.

Portico structures its offerings around three main pillars: a Knowledge Hub, Urban Panorama, and a community space for networking. The Knowledge Hub provides a searchable database of urban resources, tools, and case studies, addressing various operational topics such as governance, participation, funding, and data management. The Urban Panorama offers an overview of EU urban initiatives, while the community space facilitates exchanges and collaborations among urban actors.

Portico serves a broad audience of urban actors, including city administrations, urban practitioners, policymakers, and experts involved in sustainable urban development. It specifically addresses cities of all sizes, including small and medium-sized ones, by providing tailored content and learning opportunities. Additionally, it supports managing authorities and other Cohesion Policy implementers who require knowledge and tools for green and equitable transitions in their territories.

The platform features community functions such as the “Portico Community” and matchmaking tools like the “Urban Matchmaker.” These tools help cities find peers, build partnerships, and apply jointly for EUI support. The thematic navigation across priorities like digital transition, circular economy, mobility, local production, and inclusive/green transitions is linked to concrete examples and practical guidance.

Portico aims to enhance sustainable urban development by making knowledge and practices easily accessible. The platform aggregates resources from various EU Cohesion Policy partners, including the Urban Agenda for the EU and URBACT, thereby consolidating significant information to assist cities in their sustainable efforts. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration and peer learning to foster innovative solutions in urban settings.

In summary, Portico stands as a vital resource for those engaged in sustainable urban development across Europe. By providing a structured platform for knowledge sharing and community engagement, it supports cities in their quests for sustainable solutions, ultimately contributing to the overarching goals of the EU's Cohesion Policy.