Early 2020, we were just about to finish our application for a major modification of the project. We were optimistic and in good spirits to get the project on track for the future. What we could not foresee was the change of life caused by the COVID-19 virus that was spreading around the world. We managed to get together in Southampton mid-March and had a pleasant and fruitful partnermeeting on the first day. However, due to rapidly changing circumstances on the second day, we decided to complete the meeting early afternoon. That turned out to be a good decision, as most countries closed their borders that weekend due to the COVID-19 virus. Fortunately, all partners returned safely to their homes and families.

The major modification was approved in May 2020. The modification included an extension of the project period with 7 months, which means that the project can now be completed by the end of 2021.

We have also added a new partner to the partnership: Fluvius, who will be responsible for a new pilot in the city of Mechelen. We have said goodbye to partner IGEMO. Due to substantiated legal objections to a new residential area, this partner's pilot zone will not be realized during the project period. IGEMO remains committed to the project as an observer partner. The city of Mechelen and the company Ramboll will also be added to the partnership as an observer partner. The latter will help with technical expertise in decision support tools.

Mid-September, together with the great support of the JS, we created a sound overview of the influences and consequences of the COVID-19 virus on the project as part of the Annual Contact. We concluded that the project is slowly proceeding, most pilots will be operational by the end of 2020, and no dramatic delays occur.

In Oct 2020, we held an online partnermeeting, with lots of one-on-one sessions to exhange developments and work on the deliverables. That was much appriciated by the partnership. Although, the COVID-19 virus continues to affect progress, the partnership is still confident that it can manage to meet the agreed investments within the project's closing date. In worst-case scenario, we can take advantage of the additional 6-month extension pledged by the Interreg 2 Seas Programme as part of Programme adjustments due to the impact of COVID-19, to finish data analysis and reporting. The partnership agreed that it will keep the 6-month extension as a buffer should it become necessary.