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Read our latest news, opinion, press releases, publications and events.
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From crisis to action: why Europe’s cities are shaping the EU Anti-Poverty Agenda
As inequality rises, housing pressures grow and successive crises leave lasting effects, European cities are sending a clear message: tackling poverty requires action where it is most visible and tangible. Local leaders have recently met with European Commission Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness Roxana Mînzatu, stressing that Europe’s fight against poverty depends on strong cooperation between EU institutions and local governments.
8 minute read -
Nothing on European tourism without European tourism destinations
As the European Union prepares to publish its first-ever Sustainable Tourism Strategy in June, cities’ message is clear: as tourism destinations, their local authorities must have a seat at the table. Cities are where tourism concentrates its impact, and therefore where solutions must be tested.
6 minute read -
Where rail starts and ends: cities, crucial to make long-distance travel more sustainable and competitive
In November 2025, the Commission published its EU High-Speed Plan. Its success ultimately depends on what happens in cities. It is in urban areas where passengers transfer, where goods are distributed, and where long-distance corridors meet local realities.
6 minute read -
Placing science at the heart of urban governance
As European cities face increasingly complex challenges, bridging science and policymaking is essential. Eurocities and Politecnico di Milano's CRAFT centre are turning research into action to build resilient urban futures.
7 minute read
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EU Housing Plan is a “turning point” for Europe’s housing crisis
City leaders say the European Affordable Housing Plan is a "solid foundation" to tackle the urban housing crisis, but state that cities must have direct EU funding, a voice in policymaking, and powers to regulate short-term rentals and curb speculation.
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Mayors join call to maintain the EU’s 2035 CO₂ targets
Twenty-five mayors from across Europe have co-signed a letter demanding that the European Commission upholds the phase-out of new CO₂-emitting cars and vans by 2035.
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European cities warn: without more support, urban climate resilience plans risk collapse
A new Eurocities Pulse survey of 54 cities from 17 European countries reveals that cities face growing climate threats, but limited funding, staffing shortages, and fragmented governance are holding back their ability to adapt.
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SUN4Ukraine project unveils 14 city partnerships for climate action
Ukrainian municipalities will be paired with European Cities that are part of the EU Mission for 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities. These unique partnerships will help embed climate neutrality in Ukrainian reconstruction strategies.
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European mayors travel to Istanbul in defence of local democracy
A delegation of European mayors travelled to Istanbul as part of a mission organised by Eurocities to express solidarity with Turkish local leaders, and reaffirm a shared commitment to democratic governance, local autonomy, and the rule of law.
4 minute read -
EU budget proposals lack support for cities and regions
The Local Alliance, a coalition of leading networks of local governments, is raising the alarm over the European Commission’s proposal for the next EU budget, warning it could sideline cities and regions and undermine the delivery of key EU priorities.
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Local leaders urge European Commission to set a binding 90% domestic emissions-cut target for 2040
Mayors of European cities, on behalf of their networks of C40, CEMR, Eurocities, and ICLEI Europe are among the signatories of a joint letter to President of the European Commission Von der Leyen, Executive Vice-President Ribera, and Commissioner Hoekstra.
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Survey of European mayors: Housing crisis calls for urgent EU action
As the EU prepares its new policy agenda for cities, the Eurocities Pulse Mayors Survey, collecting responses from 86 mayors, reveals the main challenges and priorities shaping urban affairs in 2025. Top of mayors' agendas are tackling the housing crisis and ensuring climate action.
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Mayor of Barcelona elected Vice President of Eurocities
Jaume Collboni, Mayor of Barcelona, has been elected Vice President of Eurocities and will help lead the network of major European cities for the next two years. He joins Mathias De Clercq, Mayor of Ghent, who was elected as Eurocities President for the same period.
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Mayor of Ghent elected new Eurocities President
Mathias De Clercq, Mayor of Ghent, has been elected President of Eurocities and will represent major European cities for the next two years. He succeeds Burkhard Jung, Mayor of Leipzig, and will be joined by Jaume Collboni, Mayor of Barcelona, who is the new Vice President of Eurocities for the same period.
4 minute read