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Read our latest news, opinion, press releases, publications and events.
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Eurocities survey: Cities drive Draghi’s competitiveness agenda, but need EU recognition to scale action
The first Eurocities Pulse survey on urban competitiveness shows cities are already advancing Mario Draghi’s competitiveness agenda. But to expand this work, they need stronger EU recognition and support to tackle barriers such as land, energy and finance.
6 minute read -
Right to a fair trial and defence for Ekrem İmamoğlu
In a joint statement, Eurocities, Pact of Free Cities and B40 Balkan Cities Network express grave concern over the proceedings against Ekrem İmamoğlu, elected Mayor of Istanbul, and call for his right to a fair trial and defence to be upheld.
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Ukrainian cities stand strong and build for the future
As Russia’s war continues, Ukrainian cities are defending democracy, protecting their people and preparing to rebuild. At the Eurocities Annual Conference, leaders from Kyiv, Kherson and Mariupol shared what this resilience means in practice.
7 minute read -
Food markets: from tradition to transformation
Particularly in Mediterranean cities, food markets are more than places to shop. They are an essential part of daily life, social interaction and cultural identity. But markets’ presence goes beyond Southern countries.
7 minute read
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Poverty in cities is changing, and becoming harder to escape
As poverty becomes more entrenched and concentrated, cities across Europe are rethinking how they respond, from local services to calls for stronger EU support and funding.
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Survey of European mayors: Democracy is under serious threat, and cities are fighting back
The Eurocities Pulse Mayors Survey, based on responses from 88 mayors, reveals the key priorities and challenges shaping cities in 2026. Climate action and housing remain mayors' priorities, while strengthening democracy has surged in urgency.
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Europe is tested in its cities
Cities turn Europe’s challenges into solutions. At the Eurocities Annual Conference in Utrecht, they called for stronger backing to keep delivering for people.
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The next EU budget must be built with cities
As EU budget negotiations reach a crucial stage, city leaders state they must be treated as strategic partners, not the final stop in a centralised funding chain. If cities are side-lined, key EU ambitions on climate, housing and competitiveness risk falling short.
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Cities keep climate action at the centre of Europe’s shifting priorities
Cities are responding to climate change by linking cleaner air, safer housing, affordable energy and public trust, showing how local action can protect people while strengthening resilience, competitiveness and cooperation across Europe.
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Investing in Europe starts with cities: Budapest’s warning for Cohesion Policy
New EU-funded ESPON URDICO research on Budapest shows what happens when cities are left out of EU funding decisions. As the next EU budget takes shape, the city’s experience is a warning: Cohesion Policy works best when local governments are treated as partners, not afterthoughts.
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Zagreb shows why ESF+ matters for cities
Zagreb shows how EU funding becomes real support for people, while revealing what is lost when cities are not involved in shaping it, and why ESF+ needs stronger local voices.
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A message from Ekrem İmamoğlu: “Democracy will prevail”
In a letter to accept the City Heroes award at the Eurocities Awards 2026, Ekrem İmamoğlu, Mayor of Istanbul, states that the honour is a powerful message of solidarity with the people of Istanbul and everyone defending democracy in Turkiye and across Europe.
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Ekrem İmamoğlu, Mayor of Istanbul, Oulu and Stockholm win Eurocities Awards 2026
This year’s winners showed exceptional dedication to driving lasting urban improvements, strengthening local democracy and building fairer, greener and more resilient cities for everyone.
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Buying zero-emission buses: procurement that reshapes operations and infrastructure
European cities are moving from pilots to full deployment of zero-emission buses. Lessons from Utrecht, Rome and London show how planning, procurement and governance shape the transition, highlighting both the opportunities and complexities of electrifying public transport at scale.
5 minute read