European cities face various challenges and opportunities due to their growing population and importance in the economy. Research and innovation programs have been developed to support urban and territorial development in Europe. These programs aim to address issues like energy efficiency, economic growth, and environmental protection in cities. The goal is to create sustainable and inclusive urban areas that can adapt to different development paths. The European Union has played an increasing role in urban and territorial development over the past two decades. By studying the contributions of these programs, we can learn how to replicate successful strategies in other regions.