Mathias De Clercq, President of Eurocities and Mayor of Ghent, has called on MEPs to work with city leaders to ensure the EU Policy Agenda for Cities delivers lasting change, by giving cities an “enforceable” role in EU decision-making and significantly improving proposals for the next seven-year EU budget.
With political negotiations on the EU budget entering a decisive phase, Mayor De Clercq delivered cities’ position at a dedicated meeting of the European Parliament’s Committee on Regional Development.
As the Parliament appoints MEPs to lead key budget files, he made it clear that choices made now at the EU level will shape whether city governments are equipped to deliver on EU priorities or are pushed aside by more centralised national planning.
Mayor De Clercq said cities are committed to delivering EU objectives, including climate action, tackling the housing crisis and protecting democratic values. He stated that the new Cities Agenda is a strong political recognition that these priorities will only be achieved if they are implemented in cities.
However, he warned that the Agenda’s ambition is not matched by dedicated resources in the current proposals for the EU budget, risking a gap between what Europe wants to achieve and what can be delivered locally.
“Mayors across Europe are determined to keep Europe’s ambitions alive, from the European Green Deal to affordable housing, from social inclusion to defending our democratic values,” said Mayor De Clerq.
“That’s why it is essential to strengthen the role of cities in EU policymaking. Cities are not asking for a special status. We are asking for what works: a real seat at the European table, and tools to deliver. If Europe wants delivery, it needs cities.”
The practical steps cities need
We are asking for what works: a real seat at the European table, and tools to deliver. If Europe wants delivery, it needs cities.
Mayor De Clerq presented four proposals that cities need to see in the EU budget. First, each Partnership Plan must include a mandatory Urban Chapter outlining urban challenges, investment priorities, the budget allocated to cities, and how city governments are involved in design and implementation.
“This is not extra bureaucracy,” he said. “It is the practical way to give substance to the EU Agenda for Cities, and to ensure the new model stays connected to reality.”
Second, cities need stable investment to deliver long-term programmes, from renovating homes and reducing energy bills, to accelerating clean mobility and investing in climate adaptation. This requires a clear earmarking for sustainable urban development, protected and traceable in the plans.
Third, Cohesion Policy, the EU’s main investment tool for cities, must be built on real partnership. Cities should be involved early when priorities are set, throughout implementation, and when plans are updated, with minimum standards for transparency, meaningful involvement and shared monitoring.
Fourth, cities need strong EU-level support for innovation, capacity building and scaling up solutions. They require a stronger European Urban Initiative with a significant budget, and for the EU Facility to include a clear, accessible urban component.
“Cities can move fast, test solutions, and share results across Europe,” said De Clerq. “EU-level support helps us scale what works, especially when national systems are complex or slow.”
A call to defend cities’ role
Closing his message to MEPs, Mayor De Clerq warned that cities remain concerned that the Cities Agenda does not yet guarantee an enforceable role for local governments, and that funding remains too vague.
He urged MEPs to use their influence early in negotiations so that cities are not left out of the plans they will be expected to deliver. “We need this committee. We need you to defend cities’ interests and to fight for strong financing for our cities, our regions and our continent,” he stated.
We need you to defend cities’ interests and to fight for strong financing for our cities.
Mayor De Clercq called for unity and cooperation in a challenging geopolitical context, adding: “I hope the European Parliament can stand strong, standing with the European Commission against those who violate human rights and ensuring a united European Union.”
