The launch event of the “Journey Through the Europe of the Future” brought together speakers and participants both onsite and online, marking the beginning of a multi-stage European initiative dedicated to sustainable food systems, urban development, and collaborative governance. The event offered a comprehensive overview of a dynamic Europe in which the European Commission, the European Committee of the Regions, and the European Economic and Social Committee are engaging in active dialogue with cities, urban networks, and the organic movement.
A platform for European dialogue
Hosted at the European Parliament, the event benefited from the support of MEP Camilla Laureti, with contributions from MEP Dario Nardella and MEP Paulo do Nascimento Cabral. Their involvement underscored the strategic relevance of the initiative within the broader European policy landscape.
Spotlight on Paris’ ambitious food policy
In her opening remarks, Audrey Pulvar, Deputy Mayor of Paris, highlighted several innovative developments that align with the goals of the Journey. One notable example is the City of Paris’s recent commitment to transforming public food procurement:
“The City of Paris, in collaboration with Eau de Paris, the Greater Paris Metropolis, the metropolitan areas of Rouen and Le Havre, and the PETR of Northern Yonne, is committed to supporting four priority supply chains. The idea is to leverage public procurement (95 million meals per year, including 30 million in Paris) to transform collective catering, and to achieve 100% sustainable food in Paris school canteens by 2027—of which 75% fully organic and 50% sourced within 250 kilometres of the capital.”
This initiative exemplifies the kind of systemic innovation that the Journey aims to showcase and encourage across Europe.
Contributions from leading European cities
Written contributions prepared for the event by Carsten Bargmann (City of Hamburg), Nicola Moegel (City of Nuremberg), and Davide Zarri (City of Bologna) added further depth to the discussion. Their perspectives illustrated how major European cities are advancing sustainable food policies, organic initiatives, and cooperative urban strategies.
Looking Ahead
The launch event marks the first step in a programme that will unfold across 14 stages in different European locations. Participants expressed strong interest in continuing the exchange of ideas and best practices throughout the journey.
