European Cities Research Articles

“It Requires Privacy”: Sharing a House in Thirteenth-Century Paris

AbstractAnalysis of a legal ruling by Yehiel of Paris (d. ca. 1260) in a rental dispute between two Jewish men sheds light on aspects of Jewish life in a major medieval European city. Two Jews rented an apartment from a Christian owner, and a dispute arose when one of the tenants left mid-term and his replacement, also a Jewish man, tried to renew the lease directly with the landlord. The original tenant claimed the exclusive right to renew the lease and that he was unwilling to share the apartment with the new tenant as this would impinge on his privacy in use of the lavatory. This article attempts to unravel the legal and cultural dimensions of the dispute and the demographic and architectural realities underpinning it. The article maintains that the disputants’ legal arguments drew upon both Jewish legal tradition and the legal norms of the rental market in Paris. The legal and cultural significance of privacy in the medieval urban context also plays an important role in the case.

Monetary shocks and house prices in Europe

PurposeThe aim of this study is to analyse the effect of conventional and unconventional monetary policy shocks on housing price dynamics in Europe (2000–2020). We propose a pan-European comparative analysis at a city market level, contrary to the previous literature.Design/methodology/approachWe build a quarterly market dataset for 13 European cities (Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, London, Birmingham and Manchester). We proceed in two steps. First, we develop a structural VAR (vector autoregression) model. Second, we conduct a forecast error variance decomposition analysis.FindingsWe show that a contractionary policy rate has a negative influence on house prices with relevant differences. A balance sheet shock displays a heterogeneous effect on housing prices. Globally, we observe that a conventional monetary policy shock explains a larger share of total housing price variance than an unconventional monetary policy shock. Finally, our results report that conventional and unconventional monetary policy shocks have a greater impact in more liberalized credit markets.Originality/valueWe develop a pan-European analysis of house prices at a market level for a sample of 13 European cities. A parsimonious structural VAR model is used to study the dynamics of conventional and unconventional monetary policies on house prices in major European markets: Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, London, Birmingham and Manchester. Our results highlighting the relative importance of conventional and unconventional monetary shocks, identify the existence of heterogeneous effects of monetary policies in European city markets.

Innovative housing models to support shared use of space: the case study of Sonnwendviertel Ost in Vienna

Amidst the persistent urban expansion in European cities, the need for high-quality housing for growing populations remains a challenge. Integrating newly developed housing areas into the urban fabric and fostering a distinct local identity pose additional challenges. Despite extensive research in this realm, there exists a gap in the examination of the extent of shared space utilization in new housing developments. This study fills that gap by analyzing the quantity, quality, and diversity of space utilization in new housing projects, focusing on the development processes and maintenance methods. The research, conducted through site and case study analyses of Sonnwendviertel Ost development area in Vienna, underscores that the shared utilization of spaces is closely tied to distinct housing models with varied levels of financing and involvement of diverse actors. Consequently, it provides insights into the housing models and their configurations that best facilitate the development of shared use of spaces in housing construction. This, in turn, is perceived as instrumental in cultivating a more robust neighborhood identity and enhancing the livability of communities, thereby contributing to sustainable urban development.

Exploring Urban Socio-Spatial Disparities in Liverpool, Manchester, and Newcastle upon Tyne Metropolitan Areas

In recent decades, rising social disparities in European cities have structured new forms of urban inequalities. Employing an innovative analysis approach based on statistical, geographical, and spatial methods, this paper aims to explore the social geography of population groups in Liverpool, Manchester, and Newcastle upon Tyne by examining how the spatial distribution of socio-economic groups intersects with urban settlements of the resident foreign population. The study addresses methodological challenges in segregation measurement while shedding light on existing spatial patterns of vulnerable groups and emerging trajectories of residential segregation at the metropolitan scale, utilising the most recent UK Census data.

Using EEA data to calculate health impacts of air pollution via the AirQ+ model: a practical example

Abstract The AirQ+ software tool for health risk assessment of air pollution, developed by the World Health Organization, helps quantify the effects of exposure to air pollution. Specifically, AirQ+ can estimate the effects of short-term changes in air pollution (based on risk estimates from time-series studies) and the effects of long-term exposures (using life-tables approach and based on risk estimates from cohort studies). AirQ+ is available in English, French, German and Russian. In this presentation, AirQ+ will be loaded with air pollution data from the European Environment Agency datasets for a quick evaluation of health effects from air pollution in an European city.

Urban Exposome and Health

Abstract Background The environment in which we live is thought to explain 70% of the non-communicable disease burden. The aim of EXPANSE project (funded from the European Union Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 874627) is to evaluate the optimal strategies for maintaining health in the context of contemporary urban environments. As a component of the project, Urban Labs allow deep phenotyping of the urban exposome and assessing its use and perception. The Urban Labs aim to improve exposure assessment, identify mediating and modifying lifestyle factors, and link the urban exposome to intermediate endpoints relevant for cardiometabolic and pulmonary health. Methods By monitoring the activities of 4,000 individuals in five distinct urban areas, Urban Labs provide a comprehensive understanding of the urban exposome, which can be compared with residential address-based model estimates. The participants complete a baseline questionnaire, repeated bi-monthly questionnaires and exposure-specific questionnaires over a period of 2 years using mobile phone application (ExpanSeeker). Two-week personalized measurements including spatial-temporal activity patterns, sensor-based environmental and behavioral measurements, and minimally invasive biological sample collection are performed covering different seasons. Results The Baseline Questionnaire (BQ) and two-weeks measurement campaigns (MC) were completed in European cities as follows: Athens BQ = 379, MC = 232; Barcelona BQ = 1040, MC = 303; Basel BQ = 731, MC = 655; Lodz BQ = 634, MC = 100; The Netherlands (multicity) BQ = 1033, MC = 326. Data collection process is ongoing. Conclusions The collection of novel data on individuals activities and perceptions within temporal and geographical contexts in Urban Labs will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of how the urban dwellers are exposed to and interact with their environment, thereby supporting healthier urban engineering and policy making. Key messages • Urban Labs will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of the urban environment on individual’s behavior, their exposome, enabling more accurate prediction of non-communicable risk. • Urban Labs will provide a base to support healthier urban engineering and policy making.

Exploring the relationship between energy poverty and mental wellbeing: a qualitative study

Abstract Background Rising rates of energy poverty in Europe, affecting 11% of households, are a serious public health concern. The inability to meet energy needs impacts mental wellbeing, preventing people from productively engaging in society. Our objective was to explore this relationship within the context of three European cities, each characterized by distinct climatic conditions, cultural and societal characteristics and governance arrangements. This work is part of the European funded research project WELLBASED, grant no. 945097. Methods Semi-structured interviews (n = 34) were conducted with people experiencing energy poverty in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Spain. Purposive sampling ensured the representation of a diverse range of family and household types, gender and experiences with energy poverty. Thematic analysis was conducted using MaxQDA software. Preliminary results The analysis resulted in six themes: (1) worries and fear (2) stress (3) value of the home and neighborhood, (4) caring for others, (5) engaging with daily life and (6) autonomy in managing the situation and seeking for and receiving support. Participants were worried and stressed about the rising energy bills, the thermal discomfort, and health impacts of their poor housing conditions. In relation to caring responsibilities, participants were especially concerned about the impact on their children and prioritized children’s needs. Participants also expressed a strong will for independence and having control over their lives, but at the same time valued being seen and supported. Conclusions The persistent worries, fear and stress highlight implications of failure to meet energy needs for mental wellbeing. Caring responsibilities, engaging with daily life and autonomy proved important for mental wellbeing among people living in energy poverty. Our findings call for addressing energy poverty challenges in public health programs to improve mental wellbeing of vulnerable citizens. Key messages • People experiencing energy poverty in the United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands recognize the impact of their energy poverty situation on their mental wellbeing. • The public health community needs to be informed and engaged about the impact of energy poverty on mental wellbeing in order to take action.

The transition towards a healthy and sustainable food system at local level: the Brussels City case

Abstract Despite the European Union’s political efforts to promote healthier and more sustainable food systems, challenges persist, with these systems not yet achieving sustainability and still exacerbating health inequalities. The EU-funded FEAST project aims to catalyse this transition through different actions including by focusing on mapping factors shaping food environments in five European cities, including Brussels. This study focuses on mapping existing policies and initiatives by the city government supporting healthier and more sustainable food systems in Brussels City. Policies were then categorized based on Food-EPI domains, types of policies (i.e. financial incentive) and role of the government (i.e. policy development). Results indicated that while Brussels City has a clear strategy (Good Food Strategy) and objectives (Climate Action Plan) to support the transition, there is a notable emphasis on sustainability over health which could be explained by the absence of a dedicated public health expert in the local government. While there are numerous policies focused on improving the school environment (i.e. healthy and sustainable canteens, banned sodas and snack provision, forbidden advertising inside and nearby of unhealthy foods), there is a lack of corresponding measures for public spaces. Furthermore legislative policies are practically inexistent possibly due to jurisdictional barriers from higher governmental levels. Stakeholder interviews will be conducted in the next phase to delve deeper into these issues and to explore potential facilitators and barriers faced in the development and implementation process of these policies. Overall, this research sheds light on the policy landscape in Brussels City, highlighting both progress, areas for improvement and policy gaps in advancing towards healthier and more sustainable food systems. Key messages • Despite EU political efforts to prioritise more sustainable food systems, relevant barriers are still present at local level in Brussels City, hampering the development and implementation of policies. • In Brussels relevant policies for healthier and more sustainable food systems have been implemented, especially in the school environment, but health seems to be overshadowed by sustainability.

Prevecardio: a single-visit population screening model for detection and prevention of 10-year cardiovascular risk

Abstract Introduction Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major contributor to global mortality. The early detection of cardiovascular risk factors, coupled with timely intervention strategies, is essential for CVD prevention. PreveCardio was developed as an innovative, single-visit population screening model designed to facilitate the early identification and management of cardiovascular risk factors within a population of 1 million in a European capital city region totaling 6 million inhabitants. Purpose This study aimed to ascertain the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors within the general population and to evaluate the effectiveness of the PreveCardio model in estimating 10-year cardiovascular risks and promoting preventive interventions. Methods In this cross-sectional prevalence study, individuals aged 50 to 75 from a health network were randomly selected and invited to participate in a comprehensive health check. The 30-minute screening consisted of lifestyle evaluations, anthropometric measurements, and blood tests for lipid profiles and glycated haemoglobin. The methodology was designed to provide participants with immediate feedback on their results, cardiovascular health and practical guidance for risk management. Results From the 8,492 individuals solicited, 3,546 took part in the screening: 56,83% were female, mean age 61,17 ± 7,33 y.o. Picture 1 shows the population's percentages with various modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, including 20% with active smoking, 30% with sedentarism, 16% with risky alcohol consumption, 49% with non-adherence to the Mediterranean diet, 40% with overweight, and 30% with obesity. The screening revealed new diagnoses of LDL-hypercholesterolemia in 47% participants, high levels of blood pressure in hypertension range in 49%, prediabetes in 30% and diabetes in 2% (Picture 2). After use SCORE2 and SCORE-OP risk prediction algorithms, PreveCardio is estimated to potentially prevent between 39 to 202 fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events over 10 years. Predictive modelling based on PreveCardio data projected that expanding the screening across the capital region could prevent at least 26,260 cardiovascular events over 10 years. Conclusion(s) PreveCardio has established itself as a viable and effective model for the early detection of cardiovascular risk factors in a general population. It holds significant promise for public health impact by potentially reducing the incidence of CVD through comprehensive screening and proactive intervention.

Urban burden of disease estimation for policy making

Abstract Introduction The Urban Burden of Disease Estimation for Policy Making (UBDPolicy) project aims to estimate the health impacts resulting from urban and transport planning related exposures in nearly 1000 European cities. So far, quantitative burden of disease assessments have estimated premature mortality attributable to the environmental stressors of air pollution, noise, urban heat islands and lack of green space for the year 2015. Regular reporting and trend monitoring of the health impacts associated with urban environments is crucial for assessing the wider impacts of urban and transport planning. Methods For almost 1000 European cities, quantitative Health Impact Assessments (HIAs) will be conducted that employ the comparative risk assessment methodology. Baseline exposure levels of air pollution, noise, urban heat islands and green space will be estimated and preventable health impacts modelled using counterfactual exposure scenarios. Analysis will comprise two components: firstly, the 2018 HIA will incorporate multiple environmental exposures for that year, while the second component will monitor trends at three-yearly reporting intervals covering the years of 2015, 2018, 2021 and 2024. Results Results are intended to shape evidence-informed urban planning and policies throughout Europe. By ranking cities according to environmental exposures and health impacts, cities are encouraged to address challenges and learn from successful urban design and planning policies in other cities. Discussion HIAs serve as an effective tool for identifying the health impacts of current and future urban policies. The provision of burden of disease estimates will provide policy-makers and practitioners robust data for informed decision-making, while estimates over time will allow tracking of changes from implemented policies. To fully harness the potential of cities as key drivers of sustainable and healthy living, robust evidence must be at the forefront of this change. Key messages • A multitude of urban and transport planning pathways contribute toward the health of urban populations. • Compact city designs often promote health, however there are exceptions.

Home-based care services for elderly dependent adults. A comparative analysis of Madrid and Stockholm

This article analyses the situation of the Home Care Service in the two European cities of Madrid and Stockholm. There are significant differences in the development of this service in these cities which can explained by their diverse welfare models. At the same time, they also show similar trends, such as an ageing population and new demands by the elderly. The text focuses on the evolution of the service in three different dimensions: governance, working conditions and the tendering/monitoring system. The analysis is based on qualitative research, showing the predominant discourses among the key actors involved in the design and provision of the service. The results reveal the urgent need to redefine this service to respond to the new demands of the elderly as well as the changing regulatory frameworks.

The adequacy of residential parking requirements: a comparison of demand and required supply in European cities

Minimum residential parking requirements exist in most European cities to regulate the number of off-street parking spaces built for new or converted residential buildings. As minimum parking requirements can have various negative impacts, they are controversially discussed and increasingly complemented or replaced by maximum requirements in several cities around the world. This paper evaluates the adequacy of residential minimum and maximum parking requirements in 12 mid-sized cities in Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland. By calculating the number of required parking spaces and by comparing this required supply to the estimated parking demand, we evaluate the impacts and possible steering effects of parking standards. We base our estimations on a hypothetical scenario, in which all existing residential buildings comply with the requirements and use the number of registered cars as a proxy for residential parking demand.Our results reveal great differences between the cities’ parking standards. Some cities have minimum requirements, which would lead to a parking supply exceeding the current parking demand in large, mainly densely-populated and centrally located areas. These requirements would result in an oversupply of off-street parking at the place of residence of more than 50% of all residents, which in some areas would even exceed the parking demand by a factor of 2. In contrast to that, other cities have quite stringent requirements, which fall well below the current parking demand at the place of residence of 64 to 81% of all residents. Some of these restrictive cities complement their minimum parking requirements with additional measures by enforcing maximum requirements, limiting access to parking permits or reducing the overall parking capacity. Based on these findings, we discuss the adequacy of the parking requirements, their likely underlying objectives and their possible impacts on future urban development.

Optimizing Energy Yield and Economic Benefit of Renewable Energy Technologies for Urban Mediterranean Dwellings

Mediterranean European cities are characterized by high population density and limited space for large-scale implementation of renewable energy installations. This paper addresses the optimization of renewable energy installations in Mediterranean dwellings with the scope of increasing their energy contribution and cost-effectiveness. In a case study for Malta, the three technologies studied were solar photovoltaics, solar water heating, and heat pump water heating. Technical and economic analyses were performed on a number of reference configurations using Polysun software (version 2022.8). Sensitivity analyses were also conducted to study the impact that different technical and economic factors have on the performance of the configurations considered. Finally, comparisons were made between the techno-economic results obtained from the reference and sensitivity analyses. Based on data collected, the presence of renewable energy source (RES) technologies in the residential sector of Malta was characterized and correlated with the types of dwellings considered. Among the results obtained, it was found that although a solar RES installation may experience some shading, this does not mean that it is rendered economically unfeasible. Moreover, from the simulations conducted, electrical energy storage technology was considered as too premature unless strongly subsidized, making economic sense only in specific circumstances. On the other hand, although heat pump water heating technology is also relatively modern, it was concluded to be the most beneficial in terms of both energy yield and economic benefit, generally speaking. Furthermore, it was determined that in a higher occupancy dwelling, solar water heating (SWH) and heat pump water heating (HPWH) result in considerably more attractive energy savings.

Aerosol particle number concentration, ultrafine particle number fraction, and new particle formation measurements near the international airports in Berlin, Germany – First results from the BEAR study

Studies revealed airports as a prominent source of ultrafine particles (UFP), which can disperse downwind to residential areas, raising health concerns. To expand our understanding of how air traffic-related emissions influence total particle number concentration (PNC) in the airport’s surrounding areas, we conduct long-term assessment of airborne particulate exposure before and after relocation of air traffic from “Otto Lilienthal” Airport (TXL) to Berlin Brandenburg Airport “Willy Brandt” (BER) in Berlin, Germany. Here, we provide insights into the spatial–temporal variability of PNC measured in 16 schools recruited for Berlin-Brandenburg Air Study (BEAR).The results show that the average PNC in Berlin was 7900 ± 7000 cm−3, consistent with other European cities. The highest median PNC was recorded in spring (6700 cm−3) and the lowest in winter (5100 cm−3). PNC showed a bi-modal increase during morning and evening hours at most measurement sites due to road-traffic emissions. A comparison between measurements at the schools and fixed monitoring sites revealed good agreement at distances up to 5 km. A noticeable decline in this agreement occurred as the distance between measurement sites increased. After TXL was closed, PNC in surrounding areas decreased by 30 %. The opposite trend was not seen after BER was re-opened after the COVID-lock-down, as the air traffic has not reached the full capacity yet. The analysis of particle number size distribution data showed that UFP number fraction exhibit seasonal variations, with higher values in spring and autumn. This can be explained by nucleation events, which notably affected PNC.The presented findings will play a pivotal role in forthcoming source attribution and epidemiological investigations, offering a holistic understanding of airports’ impact on airborne pollutant levels and their health implications. The study calls for further investigations of air-traffic-related physical–chemical pollutant properties in areas found further away (> 10 km) from airports.

The Miskolc Method: Modelling the Evolution of a Natural City with Recursive Algorithms Using Simulated Morphogenesis

This article explores the application of procedural design methods in urban morphology, drawing inspiration from the innovative work of the Architectural Workshop of Miskolc in Hungary during the late 20th century. This study presents a generative approach termed “Simulated Morphogenesis” (or the “Miskolc Method”), which models organic city growth by analysing historical urban tissues and applying recursive algorithms to simulate natural urban development. The method leverages advanced generative tools, such as Rhinoceros 3D and Grasshopper, to model the step-by-step growth of Central European cities, with a particular focus on Miskolc. By incorporating controlled randomness into the algorithmic processes, the method captures the complexity of organic urban growth while maintaining structured development. The Miskolc Method emphasizes the importance of continuity and context, allowing for the “healing” of urban fabric discontinuities or the generation of new urban structures. This article demonstrates how this approach, while rooted in geometrical analysis, offers a valuable foundation for preliminary urban planning. The findings are relevant for understanding the morphogenesis of cities and provide a flexible framework applicable to various urban contexts globally.

Cross-Border Cooperation and Land-Use: Studying Two European Cities in the Period 2000–2018

ABSTRACT Cross-Border Cooperation (CBC) denotes the joint effort and harmonization of endeavors between neighboring countries or geographically connected regions. It encompasses collaborative initiatives spanning economic, political, social, and environmental domains. Land Use (LU) dynamics are one of the main topics in the interests of sustainable development studies, particularly in the territories facing high socioeconomic and environmental concerns and challenges. Therefore, we used a four-stage methodology: data collection; case study selection criteria; analysis of case studies; and, finally, the relation between CBC and LU for sustainable development. The study provides us with some exciting guidelines about actions to promote sustainable development through CBC (in the case studies) – i.e. promote knowledge sharing and best practices among successful cities; Offer capacity-building programs to enhance skills in sustainable land use planning and CBC; or foster collaboration on common projects and create communication networks for regular interaction.

Time and space for social-ecological transformation: care-full commoning in and beyond the ecofeminist city

ABSTRACT The relevance of civil society participation is well established in literature on environmental politics. However, the ability to join initiatives or movements actively fighting for a socially just future within biophysical limits is not equally distributed within societies. The configuration of spatial and temporal infrastructures in cities shapes how individuals interact with each other and the environment, thereby reproducing or alleviating intersectional inequalities. We connect literature on care, the commons, feminist time politics, and insurgent planning to discuss spatio-temporal infrastructures that promote space and time for care and participation. Building on feminist critiques of disembedded and disembodied cities, we draw upon examples from European cities to formulate an ‘educated dream’ about what an ecofeminist city could look like. In discussing different forms of scaling (up, out, deep) and bottom-linked transformation, we propose tangible steps towards the realisation of such a concrete utopia.

Land Use, Travel Patterns and Gender in Barcelona: A Sequence Analysis Approach

Transport systems are essential for the path toward sustainable urbanisation and the transition to more sustainable living. Recently, European cities have undergone substantial changes, and suburbanisation is posing new challenges. Suburban areas are often more affordable in terms of housing, but these neighbourhoods tend to be car-oriented. This leads to higher commuter costs, immobility, transport and time poverty, pollution, higher accident rates and a lack of social interactions. To offer sustainable mobility options to citizens, we must comprehensively understand, together with their individual characteristics, their specific mobility practices and the built environment where they live. This study is centred on the Barcelona Metropolitan Region, which has a public transport network that covers its entire area. The aim of this study is to examine the relationships between travel behaviour, transport mode use, individual characteristics and built environment characteristics in the place of residence using detailed information sources. Herein, we used data from the 2018 to 2021 annual travel survey conducted in the Barcelona region, together with land use and sociodemographic information. Our findings suggest that transport policies have encouraged sustainable mobility practices, particularly in the centre of Barcelona. Despite the positive results, considerable disparities exist between the inner and outer city, with a notable decline in sustainable mobility practices in the latter, due to the uneven distribution of basic services and uneven provision of public transport, together with lower density areas. Our results demonstrate that this uneven distribution reduces the available sequence profiles of inhabitants. In conclusion, the promotion of sustainable mobility policies necessitates further advances in transport, city and land-use planning that consider equity, gender, the socioeconomic profiles of citizens and mixed urban planning.

Challenges in the Valorization of Green Waste in the Central European Region: Case Study of Warsaw

Expanding green areas in cities results in growth in green waste generation. This study presents the findings of an investigation into green waste from selective collection in a large Central European city (Warsaw, Poland), which can be identified as a valuable biomass resource. The research objective was to identify the properties of garden waste from single-family housing to determine valorization opportunities, emphasizing the utilization of GW as a source of energy. The research yielded several findings, including a notable degree of variability in fuel properties, including moisture content (CV = 30%), lower heating value (CV = 14.3%), and ash content (CV = 62.7/56.2%). The moisture content suggests composting, while the fertilizing properties indicate suitability for anaerobic digestion. The instability of the fuel properties, coupled with the elevated levels of chlorine, sulfur, and moisture, constrains the use of garden waste in thermal processes and alternative fuel production. Pyrolysis could be a viable approach for green waste feedstock, offering value-added products depending on the processing conditions and pre-treatment. Nevertheless, implementing a selective collection system is a critical condition for the optimal utilization of bio-waste, facilitating the quality and property control of green and food waste. This is essential for their effective processing, including energy recovery, thereby contributing to the efficient valorization of biomass.

Design of Social Infrastructure and Services Taking into Account Internal Migration by Age Cohort

Abstract Background European cities and regions are facing depopulation and an ageing population, leading to a shift in the demand and supply of goods and giving rise to the silver economy. This demographic change has an impact on urban and regional planning, which is influenced by both internal and external migration. Objectives Based on the hypothesis that the attractiveness of locations also depends on the age of the inhabitants, the paper investigates the gravitational effects on the intensity of migration flows by age cohorts. Methods/Approach This study examines how factors that influence the retention or attraction of people towards specific areas affect migration between age groups at different hierarchical spatial levels, using the gravity model implemented at the Slovenian spatial levels NUTS 2 and NUTS 3. Results Distance is least important for the 65-74 age group, while wages influence only the youngest cohorts. The capacity of care homes has a significant influence on the attractiveness of older cohorts to move between NUTS 2 regions. There is a high correlation between the factors at the municipal and NUTS 3 levels for the population aged 75+. The factors at NUTS 2 and NUTS 3 levels show a strong correlation for those under 65. Conclusions These results can form a basis for the development of the silver economy as they show the need for adapted infrastructures and services for older adults. As the age structure is changing, authorities should adapt infrastructures and services to the different levels of central places/regions. The growing number of older people makes research into optimal solutions for long-term care a crucial factor for the silver economy.