The statutory city of Hradec Králové has enough experience with so-called "hard" investment projects. But even "soft" projects cannot be underestimated. For this reason, I consider it very important that the city continuously and systematically improves its capabilities in the field of community programs funded by the European Commission. This, very often so-called "soft" money can lead to improved processes by transferring "know-how" from other European cities. One of these opportunities is the involvement of the city in the URBACT networks, which are an example of how experience can be transferred from other European cities in the field of citizen participation and activation.
Based on previous experience with the PROSPERITY project (Horizon 2020), we were given the opportunity to become part of a network of eight European cities in the Active Citizens network. This network focuses on the participatory process and public involvement in city decision-making. I consider participation in any project to be effective only if it leads to practical results and to the improvement of specific processes in the city. This assumption was fully fulfilled in this project, as Hradec Králové is aware of the shortcomings in this area. A systematic effort to improve has just been supported through the network and the Active Citizens project.
