In early August 2000, the European Academy of Engineering (EAE) turned its attention to the concept of smart cities, emphasizing the role of engineering in shaping urban futures across Europe. EAE recognized that as urbanization continued to rise, engineering solutions were crucial for creating sustainable, efficient, and technologically advanced cities.
EAE's initiatives included research on smart infrastructure, urban planning, and sustainable transportation systems. The academy highlighted the need for interdisciplinary collaboration among engineers, urban planners, and policymakers to address the complex challenges of modern urbanization.