Last updated: 7 May 2026 · Version: 1.0
This Cookie Policy explains how the European Smart Cities Association (“ESCA”) uses cookies and similar technologies on this website, in accordance with the GDPR and the ePrivacy Directive (2002/58/EC, as transposed in EU member states).
What are cookies?
Cookies are small text files that a website asks your browser to store on your device. Similar technologies (local storage, session storage) achieve comparable purposes. They allow a site to remember information about your visit — but only what is permitted by your consent and applicable law.
Cookies we use
ESCA takes a privacy-first approach: this site does not run third-party analytics, advertising, or tracking by default. The only data stored on your device is what is strictly necessary for the website to function or to record your consent choice.
| Name | Purpose | Type | Duration | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
esca-cookie-consent-v1 |
Records your cookie-banner choice so we do not show it on every page. | Local storage | Until you clear browser data | Strictly necessary |
Cookies we may add in the future
We may add the categories below in the future. They will only be loaded after you give explicit consent through the banner.
| Category | Examples | Purpose | Loaded? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analytics | Plausible, Matomo (privacy-friendly) | Aggregated, non-identifying usage statistics. | Only with your consent |
| Embedded media | YouTube/Vimeo (if videos are embedded) | Playback of videos hosted on third-party platforms. | Only with your consent |
| Marketing | — | Not currently used. ESCA does not run advertising or remarketing. | Never without explicit consent |
How to manage your choice
- On this site: the cookie banner appears on your first visit. You can decline non-essential cookies at any time.
- To reset your choice: clear your browser’s site data for this domain, then reload — the banner will reappear.
- In your browser: all major browsers allow you to view, restrict, or delete cookies via their settings.
Contact
For any question about this Cookie Policy, please contact hello@europeansmartcities.eu.
Note: This Cookie Policy reflects the current technical setup of this website. If you add new tools (analytics, embedded media, marketing pixels), update both this document and the consent banner before deploying them publicly.