Mayors call for alliance with MEPs placing people at heart of EU policy making

22 October 2024

As the new European Parliament mandate begins, mayors from across Europe are calling for a renewed partnership with MEPs to ensure the needs of citizens are at the forefront of EU decision-making. Highlighting ten priority actions, the mayors urge the EU to work more closely with cities to deliver real, tangible results by 2029.

At the core of this call to action, delivered at the European Mayors Summit in Strasbourg, is a shared goal: bringing the European Union closer to its citizens through a new “pact for cities'” that drives coordinated urban action, accelerates climate efforts, improves affordable housing, and strengthens local economies.

“With over 75% of Europe’s population living in cities, it is essential that we have a central role in the development of EU policies that will define the lives of millions of people,” says Burkhard Jung, President of Eurocities and Mayor of Leipzig. “The many significant issues now confronting our society, including the rise of populism, the housing crisis and the impacts of climate change, require EU-level solutions that are implemented at the local level.”

Key priorities include setting ambitious climate targets, expanding access to social and affordable housing, promoting zero-emission mobility, and empowering cities to lead in digital transformation and cultural innovation. The mayors also stress the importance of involving cities in the EU’s enlargement process and securing investments that match local needs.

“As the new members of the European Parliament take office, this summit will ensure the united voice of cities, and therefore citizens, is heard in the new EU mandate. Together, we will show that a more inclusive, sustainable, and dynamic Europe starts in cities,” added Jung.

[ENDS]

Notes to editors:

1. The declaration presenting European mayors’ ten priorities for the new EU mandate is available to download here.
2. The declaration was signed by mayors at Eurocities’ European Mayors Summit, held on 21 – 22 October in Strasbourg, the seat of the European Parliament. At this high-level political meeting, mayors met with newly elected MEPs to share their vision for a green, just and prosperous Europe.
3. On social media, visit our hashtag #EUMayorsSummit to learn more about the event.
4. View and download photos from the European Mayors Summit here. If you use a photo, please mention it is copyright of Eurocities and the City of Strasbourg.
5. Eurocities wants to make cities places where everyone can enjoy a good quality of life, is able to move around safely, access quality and inclusive public services and benefit from a healthy environment. We do this by networking more than 200 larger European cities, which together represent some 150 million people across 38 countries, and by gathering evidence of how policy making impacts on people to inspire other cities and EU decision makers. Connect with us at https://eurocities.eu/ or by following our Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn accounts.