Smart cities: the solution or part of the problem?

Policy Brief

13/10/2017

In May 2016, air pollution in parts of Amsterdam, Maastricht and Rotterdam reached hazardous levels, breaking EU quality standards.

But only one month later, a new Dutch smart technology appeared: the Wi-Fi tree; a smart birdhouse that monitors air quality by changing colours. When air quality is good it glows green and as a reward, it offers citizens free Wi-Fi.

Intervention by Maria Kaika, Professor, Urban, Regional and Environmental Planning, University of Amsterdam delivered at the International Conference “Greece Forward III. Progressive Policies for the cities of today and tomorrow” (4th October 2017)

Find all related publications
Publications
15/05/2024

Inequality and populism

FEPS YAN Series
12/02/2024

The Social Pillar and the future of the EU Social Agenda

24/01/2024

Progressive Yearbook 2024

Looking back to look ahead
29/11/2023

Social Europe: From vision to vigour

FEPS Primer series - Björn Hacker
Find all related Progressive Post
Progressive Post
23/10/2024

Europe’s demographic challenge: policies for sustainable generational renewal

Find all related events
Events
Upcoming
29/11/2024
Athens, Greece

Housing as an investment in Greece and Southern Europe

Private profit vs social value
Past
25/09/2024
Académie Royale, Brussels

Supporting workers in the transitions and ensuring quality jobs

Forging the new EU agenda - High-level conference
02/09/2024
Reggio Emilia, Italy

Advancing child and family care

Building a Progressive Europe
Find all related news
News
21/10/2024

Your Future is Social – A Pillar for our Rights 

Video series - Why social rights must top the new EU agenda and how to make it happen
19/04/2024

FEPS welcomes the signing of the La Hulpe Declaration

05/04/2024

FEPS supports the declaration of Portimão calling for affordable housing in the EU

Affordable housing needs Europe, Europe needs affordable housing
07/03/2024

Call for videos – Your Call to Europe

This call closed on 24/03/2024
Find all related in the media
In the media

The need to strengthen policies for a Social Europe

by Le Club de Mediapart 29/10/2024
Article by Le Club Mediapart about the presentation of FEPS Primer's Greek edition, 'Social Europe: From Vision to Vigour' with László Andor and Björn Hacker in an event coorganised with ETERON in Athens.

Von der Leyen promised an EU commissioner to tackle the housing crisis – what would be their remit?

by Euronews 13/08/2024
Read this Euronews article featuring an interview with David Rinaldi, FEPS Director of Studies and Policy, in which he stresses that it’s now time for the EU to devise a housing initiative for the middle class too.

Socialistas europeos reclaman que la Europa social sea la prioridad de la futura Comisión

by EuroEFE 09/11/2023
'European socialists demand that social Europe be the priority for the future Commission' article about the 'Champions of progress: Progressives go the extra mile for Social Europe!' side event organized by FEPS and PES

A szociális unió imperatívusza

by Új Egyenlőség 09/09/2023
'The imperative of Social Union'. Article about FEPS book 'Europe’s Social Integration: Welfare Models and Economic Transformations' by László Andor.