As the European Union navigates the challenges and opportunities of enlargement, cities have an important role to play. From fostering sustainability and innovation to strengthening democratic values and regional cooperation, cities both shape and embody the transformative potential of integration.
“European mayors have a unique perspective on the realities on the ground, particularly regarding the challenges and opportunities faced by cities in recent or current candidate countries as they prepare for EU membership,” says André Sobczak, Secretary General, Eurocities.
As one of their ten priorities for a better Europe, during the first 100 days of the new European Commission, mayors are calling for a greater role for cities in the enlargement of the European Union.
Local level context in EU enlargement
Cities translate EU policies into tangible benefits, from driving sustainable economic development and fostering innovation to building social cohesion. EU membership offers cities in candidate countries opportunities to attract investment, create jobs, and strengthen cultural and social ties with EU counterparts.
However, to realise these benefits, cities must align with the EU acquis, adopt complex regulatory frameworks, and build institutional capacity – a challenge requiring targeted support.
“The role of cities in the EU enlargement process is critical. Cities are implementing EU policies by translating EU directives into tangible actions that improve the daily lives of their residents,” says Sobczak. “This includes important areas such as social policy, local economic development, public procurement and the just transition. Therefore, it is essential for cities in candidate countries and Ukraine to be well-prepared for EU membership.”
For example, cities from the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe, are involved in EU-projects and they will continue to play a crucial role as future EU members. Tirana joined the EU funded Food Trails project to, among other things, set up spaces and tools to promote access to quality, local and sustainable food for all citizens.
The project facilitates collaboration among cities and researchers across Europe, to encourage knowledge sharing, replication and scaling up of best practices.
City to city partnerships: Building a stronger Europe
City-to-city partnerships can greatly benefit the enlargement process. These collaborations allow cities in candidate countries to learn from the experiences of EU cities, particularly those that have successfully navigated previous waves of enlargement. For example, Eurocities’ capacity-building programme for Ukrainian cities has helped design sustainable urban strategies while fostering mutual understanding and partnerships with EU cities.
In 2024, urban specialists from 21 EU cities have been working with five Ukrainian cities Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, Pavlohrad, Pokrovsk, and Zaporizhzhia to advise their Ukrainian counterparts on urban strategies for sustainable rebuilding. Expanding such initiatives can strengthen governance, promote sustainable development, and build solidarity across borders.
“Beyond the technical knowledge, these partnerships foster a sense of solidarity and build strong networks that enhance regional cooperation and integration,” says Masha Smirnova, Head of Governance, Eurocities. “We should do everything we can to leverage the experience of cities that joined the EU in previous waves of enlargement, who have valuable insights into overcoming the EU’s accession related challenges.
“Replicating an initiative like the European Mayors Summit, with a specific emphasis on collaborative reconstruction efforts among EU countries, could be one way of ensuring that all member states contribute to the sustainable rebuilding of Ukrainian cities.”
SUN4Ukraine, an EU-funded project that recently selected 12 Ukrainian cities to be its flag bearers, is actively working with Ukrainian cities to design Climate Neutrality Plans and integrate these plans into their reconstruction strategies.
Other recent examples that highlight the practical value of cross-border collaboration include Eurocities Generators of Hope campaign, which enabled European cities to send electric generators to Ukraine, providing essential resources during times of crisis. Also, Turku’s donation of buses filled with supplies to its twin city, Kharkiv; or Lublin’s support for the Sumy region further demonstrate the spirit of solidarity that flourishes between cities.
These collaborations strengthen the bonds that underpin the EU’s enlargement process.
Financial support: A catalyst for integration
For cities to meet EU standards and integrate into the single market, robust financial support is essential. Mechanisms such as the Pre-Accession Assistance Programme and the Ukraine Facility play a crucial role in providing critical assistance and supporting candidate countries to prepare for future membership.
Additionally, facilitating access to EU programmes like Horizon Europe and the European Social Fund can empower cities to innovate and grow while bridging economic and social disparities between EU and candidate country cities.
With this in mind, mayors meeting at the recent European Mayors Summit agreed on the need for:
- Direct funding and knowledge sharing: Direct funding to cities, including candidate cities, is essential to mitigate challenges arising from the centralisation of EU funding. Enhancing EU communication in candidate countries through pro-EU communication on EU-funded projects can boost support for EU integration.
- Accelerating enlargement processes: Consider flexible pathways to EU membership and the Single Market, including potentially allowing countries to meet Copenhagen criteria post-accession. This could speed up the accession of Ukraine, Moldova and other candidate countries, while addressing pressing governance improvements.
- A focus on neglected regions: EU funds should target underdeveloped areas with anti-EU inclinations. Demonstrating the EU’s impact in these regions can shift local perspectives towards EU integration. For example, Turkish cities called for a renewed dialogue with the EU on urban security and strategic interests.
“Without adequate support, cities in candidate countries may struggle to implement the complex regulatory frameworks required for EU membership, potentially hindering their readiness for integration into the European Union,” says Sobczak.
Cultural and educational exchange
Culture, education and skills development, particularly among young people, play a crucial role at regional and local levels in the accession countries. Empowering people through education, training and entrepreneurship not only helps build more inclusive and resilient local economies but will also contribute to peace and stability. Cultural and educational exchanges among cities foster unity and understanding, building the foundation for a more vibrant, integrated Europe.
Events such as Leipzig’s solidarity tram for Ukraine and Helsinki’s ‘Light for Ukraine’ campaign bring communities together in support of shared values. Activities such as the European Youth Capital, which was awarded to Lviv in 2023, and EU funded programmes such as Erasmus+, expand these connections by offering young people opportunities for exchange and training, empowering the next generation to contribute to Europe’s development.
Mayors advocate that programmes such as Erasmus+ should be scaled up to foster exchanges for young people and training for municipal actors, to promote collaboration and boost municipal skills in fields critical to the implementation of the EU legislation, such as environmental impact assessment, social standards and public procurement.
“To foster progressive integration with the EU’s single market and strengthen local value chains and industries, programmes should also support tailored training initiatives for local SMEs, enhancing their competitiveness and driving job creation,” says Sobczak.
The path forward
The EU enlargement process underscores the importance of cities as engines of sustainable development, democracy, and regional cohesion. Instruments like the €50 billion Ukraine Facility provide crucial resources to empower local governments in rebuilding infrastructure and fostering long-term resilience. However, ensuring cities receive direct funding and technical assistance is vital to the success of these efforts.
As cities of all shapes and sizes demonstrate, urban areas are not just implementers of EU policies but active contributors to a united Europe. By fostering sustainability, collaboration, and democratic engagement, cities will continue to play a central role in shaping the future of the European Union, driving integration and ensuring that no one is left behind.
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This article has been prepared as part of Eurocities #100daysEU campaign, which seeks to highlight 10 actions for cities that the new European Commission should be focussed on.
Previous articles in this series include:
- 100 days EU: New European Commissioners take their seats
- Ensuring EU investments meet cities’ needs
- A digital future that is human-centred
This series will continue in the new year.
