Linked to the debate on the future of Europe and the next EU budget, the EUROCITIES policy paper on post-2020 cohesion policy calls for a reinforced and simplified cohesion policy for Europe and its citizens. The future cohesion policy covering all regions should be built on real partnership with cities, focusing on common European challenges but allowing a flexible tailoring to local development needs. Cohesion policy needs to reduce its administrative burden, make it easier to combine the ESI funds locally and empower cities and local communities to effectively address challenges facing our citizens and to make Europe stronger and more inclusive for the current and future generations.