From 10–12 February, the city of Milan hosted the DUT Projects Event 2025, a gathering that brought together projects from across Europe working on urban transitions. The event provided a unique chance to connect initiatives from all three DUT pathways, covering both the 2022 and 2023 calls. For NEEDS Repowered, it was more than just a meeting — it was an opportunity to step into a lively European community of practice, exchange insights, and explore how shared challenges can lead to shared solutions.

The programme offered many highlights. One of them was the chance to present the NEEDS Repowered poster, which allowed us to showcase our approach and early results to an engaged and diverse audience. The event also gave us a chance to work with the DUT Knowledge Hub and engage in hands-on exercises using the project workbook. Together with other projects, we explored how to build on each other’s experiences, particularly regarding the development of the NEEDS Repowered Toolbox, the involvement of vulnerable groups in the energy transition, and sustainable business models for retrofitting and heritage protection in the built environment.

Beyond presentations, interactive sessions, and other activities, the event created space for genuine dialogue, opportunities to meet new friends while also reconnecting with familiar faces from earlier collaborations. For us, the inspiration and encouragement for embracing innovative pathways towards energy flexibility and demand management was a great highlight. Equally important was the reminder that involving policymakers early is essential to ensure that local solutions can translate into systemic change.

Looking back, the DUT Projects Event was both inspiring and energising. It highlighted the importance of collaboration not only within individual projects but across countries and disciplines. By connecting with others, sharing lessons, and building on each other’s experiences, we are moving closer to our shared goal: resilient, inclusive, and climate-neutral cities across Europe.