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 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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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.
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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.
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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.
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Making the EU Budget work for cities & regions: Local Alliance’s 10-point action plan
The European Commission’s proposals for the next seven-year EU budget risk side-lining city and regional governments. In response, the Local Alliance has set out a 10-point plan to ensure the next budget delivers tangible results for people in all territories in Europe and beyond.
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Empowering cities through Cohesion Policy
In this Eurocities policy statement, city leaders call for a strong, renewed Cohesion Policy in the next EU budget for 2028-2034, placing cities at the heart of EU investment and helping to deliver the upcoming EU Policy Agenda for Cities.
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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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Cities as key partners in EU research and innovation plans
In this Eurocities policy statement, city leaders call on the EU to ensure they are recognised as central partners in the development and implementation of research and innovation plans, particularly the upcoming EU Framework Programme 10.
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Empowering cities through the next EU Budget
As the EU enters negotiations on its post-2027 budget, this policy statement states that cities must have a stronger role in EU funding programmes to drive sustainable growth, improve social inclusion and tackle climate change. Cities call for better multilevel governance and direct access to EU funding.
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A strong Cohesion Policy promoting urban transformation
In this policy statement, city leaders call on the EU to ensure a robust, well-funded Cohesion Policy after 2027, tailored to their needs and based on strong governance, trusted partnerships, and simplified financial support for cities.
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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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EU recovery plan fails to deliver cities’ investment needs
Ahead of the mid-term review of the EU’s Covid-19 recovery plan, NextGenerationEU, a new report from Eurocities and CIDOB says the plan is not solid enough to drive the urban actions required for a just, green and digital transformation.
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