European cities have struck a deal to adopt and implement common existing digital solutions on a large scale in the EU.
The ‘Join, Boost, Sustain’ declaration, launched at the Oulu Boost 2019 event on 10 December comes at an important moment, as the EU decides on its political and funding priorities.
It launches a new multi-level collaboration between all levels of government to make cities and communities smarter and more sustainable as well as better places for people to live and work.
Anna Lisa Boni, secretary general, EUROCITIES, says “Cities are constantly innovating and coming up with new digital solutions, always with the benefit of people in mind. This initiative offers a chance to give a real boost to replicate and upscale some of these ideas, making it easier to advance both locally and globally.”
The declaration includes an agreement to contribute on a voluntary basis to a joint investment plan for upscaling digital solutions in Europe’s cities. It is a first step towards shaping a European approach for digital transformation, which differs from that of other global competitors.
By combining the innovative work of cities with the European scale, the initiative hopes to develop more efficient, cost-effective and citizen-centric services and solutions at local level based on interoperable digital platforms and services.
Following its launch, relevant parties are now being encourage to e-sign the declaration via www.living-in.eu and join the community of mayors and state ministers who have already signed up.
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Notes to editors
- The declaration ‘join, boost, sustain – joining forces to boost sustainable digital transformation in Europe’s cities and communities’, will be at the core of a high-level political debate taking place at the CITIES Forum 2020 on 31 January 2020, 10.30-11.50 in Porto
- EUROCITIES is the political platform for major European cities. We network the local governments of over 140 of Europe’s largest cities and more than 40 partner cities that between them govern some 130 million citizens across 39 countries. www.eurocities.eu
- The declaration, an initiative between EUROCITIES, ENOLL, OASC, European Commission, the Finnish EU presidency and the Committee of the Regions can be found here: www.living-in.eu
Media contact:
Alex Godson: +32 495 298 594 // alex.godson@eurocities.eu
