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
-
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 -
Report on Mental health in cities: Beyond traditional healthcare services
This report focuses on mental health (Principle 16 of the European Pillar of Social Rights – Access to Health). It highlights how cities are creating policies and services that not only target mental health but also address the social factors, such as housing, employment and social inclusion, that greatly impact citizens’ wellbeing.
Learn more -
Cities lead the pack to tackle energy poverty
A new Eurocities paper showcases local governments’ best practices to tackle energy poverty and help alleviate its consequences.
Learn more -
Mental health is under the local spotlight
What can cities do to address mental health issues? A lot. From Helsinki to Cluj-Napoca to Milan, municipalities are taking decisive action to support the wellbeing of urban communities..
Learn more -
People make cities
In the context of the Conference of the Future of Europe, a new Eurocities study shares data on participative democracy in cities.
Learn more -
Government for the people – with the people
A good government works for the people – or, even better, with the people. In a new publication, presented at the Nantes Innovation Forum, cities share stories of direct democracy in action.
Learn more -
Five principles for citizen engagement
The new ‘Eurocities principles on citizen engagement’ broach the question of how we reconnect with one another as we venture into the new normal.
Learn more