In the third quarter of 2018, there were around 6.9 million people unemployment for more than a year in the EU, of whom 4.3 million were unemployed for more than two years.

EUROCITIES as a member of the Urban Agenda for the EU Partnership on Jobs and Skills in the Local Economy, is organising a study visit to Lille on 27-29 May 2019 to study innovative solutions to fight long term unemployment through social economy.

The study visit is intended for cities that take part in the EUROCITIES Working Groups on Smart Social Inclusion and on Entrepreneurship and SMEs.

The focus is on Lille Metropole’s integrated approach to combat long-term unemployment in the most deprived neighbourhoods of the metropole, by offering new opportunities and new services through social economy. The ultimate goal is to strengthen the capacity of cities to develop and implement innovative urban solutions for fighting long-term unemployment.

The participants will have the opportunity to visit the 'Job Factory' (La Fabrique de l'emploi) and to get in-depth understanding on three good practices that have been implemented in order to realise these objectives (Mobility platform, Call for social economy projects and Entrepreneurship Factory).

The organisers are looking for four cities that have already implemented a policy or practice in this area and are willing to share/develop their initiative or cities that are committed to implement a new policy or project on this topic. If selected, EUROCITIES will reimburse the travel costs, accommodation and subsistence costs for up to two representatives.

Find the detailed agenda and concept note on the EUROCITIES website.

Cities are invited to apply until 15 May 2019, by completing the online application form and sending it to patricia.couti@eurocities.eu