#connectedinEurope: Arezzo and Hamm continue their Tandem Partnership

The tandem cities of Arezzo (Italy) and Hamm (Germany) convened for the third time in October 2025 to review their joint activities and delve deeply into their respective Smart City initiatives. This time, the meeting took place in Berlin, allowing participants to further engage with Smart City experts at the Smart Country Convention (SCCON) and discover new innovations.

The first day began with a comprehensive tour of SCCON, where participants could learn about the latest developments and technologies in the Smart City sector while also networking with valuable contacts.

Following this, the actual tandem meeting commenced, during which both cities had the opportunity to present their current Smart City initiatives and projects.

Representatives from Hamm introduced 24 new projects across 11 action areas that are currently being implemented. The diversity of these projects is notable, including a AI-based detection system for plastics in private organic waste within the waste management sector, the Digital Hammer Card designed to boost the local economy, and an innovative digital heat risk management system for the city.

A more in-depth professional exchange took place, particularly regarding Building Information Modeling (BIM), which is a focal point for both partner cities. Challenges such as the integration of complex data and implementation costs, which stand in contrast to the benefits of the method—such as more precise planning options and efficiency gains—were thoroughly discussed. 
Representatives from Arezzo reported on the city's activities within the Living-in.EU initiative, which addresses topics like standardization and digital twins.

Additional projects that were intensely discussed included software-based ticketing systems for various cultural institutions, where both cities have already gained positive experiences.

The new geodata portal of Hamm was also introduced, which is based on the open-source software Masterportal and simplifies the management and visualization of geodata. This portal enables the city administration to operate more efficiently while providing citizens with better access to important information.

Another crucial item on the agenda was a joint brainstorming session on future activities. This included discussions about participating in additional EU funding projects and examining various calls in different thematic areas. Representatives from Arezzo presented ongoing activities in EU projects and networks, which served as a foundation for subsequent discussions about potential collaborative projects.

This collaboration offers both cities the chance to benefit from each other's experiences and knowledge while developing joint projects that create added value for both communities.

For Arezzo and Hamm, the #connectedinEurope project represents an excellent opportunity to engage more deeply with European initiatives and networks. It provided valuable insights for further collaboration, both between the two cities and with other European municipalities. Through intensive exchanges and cooperation on joint projects, the two cities can advance their Smart City initiatives and develop sustainable, innovative solutions that enhance the quality of life for their citizens.