Latest
Read our latest news, opinion, press releases, publications and events.
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Cities need EU and national support to deliver lower urban speeds
European cities are proving that lower urban speeds save lives and create safer, healthier and more liveable streets. But cities need EU and national support to deliver Vision Zero.
6 minute read -
Investing in Europe starts with cities: Ghent’s neighbourhood-first lesson
New ESPON URDICO research shows how EU funding is helping the city of Ghent connect climate action, housing, mobility and social inclusion. Ghent's experience demonstrates that EU investment works best when cities are directly involved in shaping funding around local needs.
7 minute read -
From ad hoc response to strategic resilience: how cities prepare for migration and population change
Housing, participation, communication and trust: how cities are moving from crisis response to resilient inclusion strategies.
9 minute read -
The future of the European Social Fund is at stake
The first episode of Eurocities' new podcast series, 'Cities with no margins', examines the future of ESF+ and why cities must have a stronger voice in social funding.
5 minute read
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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.
3 minute read -
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 -
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' top priorities, while strengthening democracy has surged in urgency.
6 minute read -
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.
10 minute read -
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.
4 minute read -
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.
8 minute read -
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.
3 minute read -
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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Istanbul’s City Hero: Ekrem İmamoğlu
Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu is one of the shortlisted ‘City Heroes’ at the Eurocities Awards 2026. The winners will be announced at the Eurocities Annual Conference in Utrecht, 8-10 June 2026.
6 minute read -
City Hero: Alessandro Ghinelli, building culture, peace and cooperation
Alessandro Ghinelli, Mayor of Arezzo, has spent over a decade showing how a city can drive change. Through culture, solidarity and city diplomacy, he has turned Arezzo into a place of connection, with Europe, the world, and communities facing crisis.
6 minute read