The periASTY project officially kicked off on 4–5 February 2026 in Brussels, bringing together partners from across Europe to launch this new Horizon Europe initiative focused on the transformation of peri-urban areas towards climate-neutral, sustainable and resilient environments.

Over the two-day meeting, the 36 project partners from 12 countries met to discuss the project’s objectives, methodology and upcoming activities. The consortium also had the opportunity to exchange with the project officer from the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), who provided valuable guidance to support a strong start to the project.

periASTY aims to support the green transition of peri-urban areas, which often face particular challenges related to car dependency, fragmented planning, and the integration of energy, mobility and industrial systems. To address these challenges, the project will develop a suite of technological and non-technological innovations known as periInnovations, covering four key domains: mobility, energy, industry and governance.

These innovations will be co-designed with citizens, local authorities and stakeholders and demonstrated in nine peri-urban Living Labs across Europe: Dublin (Ireland), Limassol (Cyprus), Ljubljana Urban Region (Slovenia), Marseille (France), Guimarães (Portugal), Helmond (Netherlands), Kalamata (Greece), Sofia (Bulgaria), and Sisslerfeld (Switzerland). The Living Labs will test solutions aimed at reducing car dependency, improving energy efficiency, supporting circular industrial practices, and strengthening governance frameworks for climate-neutral development.

The kick-off meeting also provided an opportunity for each Living Lab to present its local objectives and the solutions that will be developed and deployed to support decarbonisation efforts in their regions.

EPF is proud to contribute to periASTY by bringing the citizen and passenger perspective into the project and by supporting engagement with external stakeholders and cities interested in the project’s approach. Through its networks, EPF will also help facilitate knowledge exchange and dissemination of the project’s results to ensure that the lessons learned can support the transition of peri-urban areas across Europe.

Running from January 2026 to December 2028, periASTY will contribute to the objectives of the European Green Deal and the EU Mission on Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities, helping to ensure that peri-urban areas are fully integrated into Europe’s path towards climate neutrality.

EPF looks forward to working with the consortium to ensure that passenger needs and citizen perspectives remain at the heart of this transition.