Latest
Read our latest news, opinion, press releases, publications and events.
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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.
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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.
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Food markets: from tradition to transformation
Particularly in Mediterranean cities, food markets are more than places to shop. They are an essential part of daily life, social interaction and cultural identity. But markets’ presence goes beyond Southern countries.
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Poverty in cities is changing, and becoming harder to escape
As poverty becomes more entrenched and concentrated, cities across Europe are rethinking how they respond, from local services to calls for stronger EU support and funding.
9 minute read
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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' priorities, while strengthening democracy has surged in urgency.
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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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Eurocities survey: 75% of cities report fewer road deaths & injuries after reducing speeds
A new Eurocities Pulse survey, based on responses from 38 cities, reveals that lower urban speed limits are making city streets safer, reducing road deaths and injuries without slowing travel times. Cities report clear benefits from 30 km/h zones, including fewer accidents, less pollution and more cycling.
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Power to the people
War in the Middle East has – again – shown how vulnerable Europeans are to volatile global oil and gas prices, and none more so than those with the least cash to spare. Renewable local power offers a way out, yet too many of those who struggle to pay their bills fear that Europe’s clean energy transition is unaffordable, unfair and out of reach.
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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.
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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.
4 minute read