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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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Cities’ central role in decarbonising EU heating and cooling sector
Europe’s heating and cooling sector uses half the continent’s energy, yet continues to rely on fossil fuels. This Eurocities policy statement calls for the EU’s new cooling and heating strategy to support city governments to decarbonise the sector and meet EU climate targets.
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Local governments must be involved in national Social Climate Plans
With just weeks until EU member states must submit their national Social Climate Plans, this report from the Local Alliance, including Eurocities, says most national governments are not properly consulting local authorities – despite clear obligations in the EU Social Climate Fund regulations.
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Local Alliance position papers: Next EU budget must recognise cities’ importance
As the European Commission prepares to unveil its proposal for the post-2027 EU budget, the Local Alliance, including Eurocities, has published three new position papers calling for a bold realignment of EU spending priorities.
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Energy Transition Without Subsidies: Why Local Authorities Struggle with Innovative Financing
A new report published under the PROSPECT+ project, ‘Energy Transition Without Subsidies: Why Local Authorities Struggle with Innovative Financing’, reveals the deep challenges municipalities face and provides concrete, realistic recommendations to national and EU-level decision-makers.
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For an ambitious EU Framework on Climate Adaptation and Resilience
The Eurocities policy paper “For an ambitious EU Framework on Climate Adaptation and Resilience” lays out a comprehensive vision for strengthening urban resilience against the intensifying impacts of climate change. It emphasises the urgent need for a cohesive and ambitious EU Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan that aligns with other key initiatives.
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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.
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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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