Urban shrinkage has become the new normal across Europe: one in five cities in the EU today is experiencing population loss; in eastern Europe this figure reaches 70%. Though appearance of shrinkage is fairly universal— empty city centre shops, falling property values, reduced town-centre vibrancy – causes for urban shrinkage can vary. By learning from the experience of the cities that once were on the edge of an abyss but have bounced back to life and by sharing the key ingredients of their success, this project enables as many shrinking cities as possible to adapt, transform, and thrive in the face of continuously and often dramatically changing circumstances.