Cities are at the forefront of Europe’s efforts to address global challenges, from climate change and social inequality, to digital transformation and economic resilience. With 75% of Europe’s population living in urban areas, city administrations play a pivotal role in driving innovation that delivers real and lasting impact for their residents.
To harness this potential, city leaders are calling on the EU to ensure they are recognised as central partners in the development and implementation of its plans for research and innovation, particularly in the upcoming EU Framework Programme 10 (FP10).
A new Eurocities policy statement – Cities in the FP10 – states that by empowering cities to shape and implement solutions, the FP10 can unlock the transformative power of local innovation and drive Europe’s transition to a just, green and digital future.
“Research and innovation are not just abstract goals, they are tools for creating practical solutions to the issues faced by millions of Europeans,” says André Sobczak, Secretary General of Eurocities. “Cities are where these solutions are tested, implemented and scaled.
“A dedicated FP10, involving cities as key partners, will ensure that this process can continue to thrive and bring innovation solutions that build a sustainable, prosperous future for everyone.”
A standalone programme for research and innovation
The Eurocities policy statement makes it clear that the FP10 must remain a standalone programme dedicated to research and innovation. This will ensure that its funding and structure are specifically tailored to driving forward the breakthroughs Europe needs to address complex challenges, such as the climate crisis, energy transitions, and social inequality.
A standalone programme also provides the clarity and focus necessary for cities to effectively engage with its processes.
Cities as early partners in programme design
The policy statement states that cities must be involved in the design of FP10 from the outset. Currently, much of the EU’s research and innovation agenda is shaped at a higher level, with limited consultation of local administrations. However, as the level of government closest to citizens, cities bring a unique perspective.
By involving cities in the early stages of FP10 design, the European Commission and Member States can ensure that the programme reflects realities on the ground. Local governments are not just implementers of EU policies, they are innovators themselves, mobilising public and private stakeholders to develop tailored solutions.
Multi-level approaches, which bring together cities and other levels of government, along with NGOs, SMEs, academics and civil society, should be at the core of FP10.
“These collaborations can lead to groundbreaking solutions that address the biggest challenges we are facing in society across Europe, including the importance of sustainability, digitalisation and social inclusion,” says André Sobczak.
Prioritising living labs, demonstration sites and upscaling
The statement calls for the FP10 to prioritise living labs and demonstration sites as tools for innovation. These are environments where new ideas can be tested in real-world conditions, allowing researchers and practitioners to refine their solutions before scaling them up.
“Cities are natural hubs for such experimentation, says Louise Coffineau, Head of Advocacy for Eurocities. “Whether it is testing climate adaptation technologies in urban green spaces, piloting smart mobility solutions, or trialling circular economy initiatives, cities offer the diversity and complexity needed to stress-test innovations.”
However, testing alone is not enough. FP10 must allocate resources to ensure that successful innovations can be replicated and scaled across the EU. Cities require funding not only for pilot projects but also for the infrastructure and support necessary to bring these projects to fruition.
Building links across EU programmes
The success of FP10, says the Eurocities statement, will depend in part on its alignment with other EU-funded programmes, such as the European Urban Initiative (EUI). These links can amplify the impact of both programmes, ensuring resources are used efficiently and effectively.
Strengthening cooperation between the European Commission’s Directorates-General (DGs), particularly DG Research and DG Regional and Urban Policy, will also be critical.
The new policy agenda for cities included in the Mission Letter of the Executive Vice-President of the Commission, Raffaele Fitto, is a good opportunity to improve coordination of the different initiatives, and to help bridge the gap between research and implementation, allowing cities to benefit from a more integrated approach to EU funding.
Flexibility and bottom-up innovation
The statement says the FP10 must adopt a more flexible approach to funding and project design, allowing cities and their partners to tailor solutions to their specific needs.
Calls for proposals should focus on broad objectives rather than prescriptive requirements. This approach encourages creativity and ensures that projects are locally relevant while still aligning with EU priorities.
Flexibility must also extend to the implementation phase. Cities need the freedom to adapt their projects based on real-time results. A trial-and-error system, supported by FP10 regulations, would allow for adjustments without the fear of financial penalties.
Supporting Europe-wide collaboration
The Eurocities statement makes it clear that the challenges facing Europe do not stop at its borders. From climate change to public health crises, Europe-wide and global problems require widespread solutions. FP10 should continue to include non-EU countries as partners, enriching the programme with diverse perspectives and expertise.
“Cities in candidate countries can contribute valuable insights and innovative practices, while also benefiting from EU funding and knowledge-sharing,” explains Louise Coffineau.
The statement also points to the importance of the EU Missions under Horizon Europe, particularly the EU Cities Mission, which have demonstrated their value in addressing complex societal challenges. These Missions focus efforts through a challenge-driven approach, fostering cooperation across sectors and regions.
Placing cities at the centre of innovation
As the EU shapes its vision for FP10, it must recognise cities as indispensable partners in innovation. By fostering collaboration, promoting flexibility, and prioritising local needs, FP10 can empower cities to lead the charge in addressing Europe’s most pressing challenges.
Cities are not just beneficiaries of FP10—they are essential partners in its success. Local governments are often the first to identify emerging challenges and the first to act,” states André Sobczak.
“By placing cities at the centre of FP10, the EU can ensure that its research and innovation agenda delivers real benefits for all Europeans.”
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Read the Eurocities policy statement ‘EU Framework Programme: Cities as key partners for impact in research and innovation’
