Policy and advocacy
Eurocities advocacy efforts reflect positions agreed through our member cities. Cities are where EU policy becomes reality. Read our latest policy positions below to find out how we transform broader ambitions into urban action for a new sustainable, inclusive and prosperous future.
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Eurocities calls for fast and high-quality passenger train connections across Europe
Eurocities is calling on the European institutions to support the development of a comprehensive high-quality rail network that links all European major cities and urban centres.
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Outlook on the urban dimension of cohesion policy
This Eurocities report shows that the EU cohesion policy is crucial for prosperity in cities. But if cities are to drive climate and social transformations, the policy's urban dimension must be improved.
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Policy brief on advancing charging infrastructure
Recommendations for European, national and local policy that are necessary to facilitate massive adoption of electric charging infrastructure across Europe's cities.
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Eurocities Statement: A more sustainable and inclusive culture starts in cities
In the lead-up to the EU elections, cities show how culture has its place in shaping a better Europe and ask for a stronger partnership going forward.
2 minute read
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COP28: Europe’s cities demand EU 2040 reduction target of at least 90%
As COP28 continues, Europe’s cities have called on the EU to commit to at least a 90% net reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. A new Eurocities policy statement outlines how the EU must collaborate with cities to achieve this urgent goal.
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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.
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Cities welcome Nature Restoration Law
Despite push-back from some member states, cities welcome the new Nature Restoration Law, and its legally binding targets for local ecosystems. However, some concerns remain.
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Could new EU targets melt into air?
How would you rate air quality legislation that will have difficulty improving overall air quality, will not be acted upon in time, and is contradicted by other regulations? If we don’t close loopholes now, this could be what the EU’s revised Ambient Air Quality Directive leaves us with.
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Cities must invest in our future
To fight climate change and make Europe digitally and socially resilient over the coming decades, cities need to make long-term investments. However, current EU regulations are blocking this, a new Eurocities policy paper explains.
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Build better for climate neutral cities
The forthcoming revisions of the EU’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive represents a major opportunity to build better for climate neutral cities, as shared in a new Eurocities position.
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EU Climate leadership: 60% emission reduction by 2030
A new Eurocities statement is urging the European Council to be bolder in its climate action, by revising upwards its 2030 emission reduction target to at least 60%.
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EU strategy on adaptation to climate change
Eurocities statement on climate change adaptation.
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The state of urban climate adaptation in Europe
A new report by the European Environment Agency gives an overview of climate risks to cities.
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Renovate to innovate Europe’s green ambitions
Eurocities’ new position paper supports calls to increase the rate at which European buildings are currently being renovated – to at least 3% per year.
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