Policy and advocacy
Our policy and advocacy work starts with cities.
From climate action and housing to mobility, digital transformation and social inclusion, our priorities are shaped by the challenges and opportunities cities face every day.
Through our network, member cities develop common positions and help ensure EU policies and funding reflect local realities. Explore our latest policy positions below.
-
A future AI strategy for the cultural and creative sectors
Eurocities outlines how AI can support culture and creativity in cities while safeguarding creators, cultural diversity and public trust.
7 minute read -
Towards more sustainable and inclusive European Capitals of Culture
Eurocities welcomes the European Commission's proposal for the future European Capitals of Culture framework, which incorporates several of the network's long-standing recommendations on sustainability, values and support for cities.
3 minute read -
Lower speeds in cities: A key lever for Vision Zero in Europe
This policy statement from Eurocities and the ETSC calls for stronger national and EU action to make lower urban speeds a central part of Europe’s road safety policy and accelerate progress towards Vision Zero.
2 minute read -
Lights on the EU Anti-Poverty Strategy: what it means for cities
Cities are already tackling poverty, but how will the EU's new Anti-Poverty Strategy support their work? This four-part video series breaks down the strategy's key measures, opportunities and gaps for local governments.
1 minute read
-
Cities with no margins | Episode 1: The European Social Fund at a crossroads
The first episode of Eurocities’ new podcast series, ‘Cities with no margins’, examines the future of ESF+ and why cities must have a stronger voice in social funding.
Learn more -
How to make National Energy and Climate Plans more implementable and investable
The revision of the Governance Regulation is a key opportunity to make EU climate governance more focused on implementation and investment. The current framework has strengthened national planning, but still does not fully reflect how climate action is delivered locally through existing plans and investment pipelines.
Learn more -
Local Alliance letter to European Council: EU budget must recognise cities & regions
In a joint letter ahead of the European Council on 18-19 June, the Local Alliance calls for the next EU budget to put cities and regions at the heart of EU investment and delivery.
Learn more -
Making Automated Mobility work for cities and people in Europe
This Eurocities policy paper sets out how automated mobility can work for cities and people, rather than simply add more vehicles to urban streets.
Learn more -
Eurocities Policy Briefing – The Role of Cities in Achieving the SDGs
The report highlights that no goal is on track to be achieved by 2030, with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) particularly off track.
Learn more -
From EU Policy to Local Action – Building commitment for sustainable Urban Food Systems
The Urban Agenda for the EU Food Partnership has released a new policy statement calling on EU leaders to fully recognise cities as key actors in building fair, sustainable and resilient food systems.
Learn more -
Eurocities proposals for the future of European Capitals of Culture
Eurocities’ January 2026 submission to the Commission’s call for evidence sets recommendations to strengthen the European Capital of Culture action, based on members’ experience and city input.
Learn more -
Cities social trends paper: Minimum income
As the Eurocities campaign “Inclusive Cities for All” shows, cities are allies of the European Commission in pushing the European Pillar of Social Rights forward. We have done so through the Eurocities campaign to engage mayors and deputy mayors to pledge to implement the Pillar by taking tangible measures backed by specific budget allocations.
Learn more -
Cities social trends paper: Gender equality in cities
Explore how cities promote gender equality through inclusive policies, childcare, support for women, gender budgeting and action against violence.
Learn more -
Cities addressing the housing crisis: Innovative and integrated approaches
This thematic report takes a look at how cities across Europe address rising housing costs through innovative governance, financing, and urban planning solutions.
Learn more