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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Improving cities’ access to EU funding for housing
EU housing funds play a crucial role in supporting social and affordable housing, but they are not sufficiently targeted at local authorities. Cities face barriers in accessing these funds, limiting their ability to address the housing crisis. Stronger financial support and better access are urgently needed.
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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.
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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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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.
4 minute read
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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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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..
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Access to affordable and social housing and support to homeless people
This report is the third in a series of surveys to collect evidence from cities on the implementation of the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights.
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A stronger social Europe powered by inclusive cities
A new position paper by Eurocities on Social Europe makes 15 recommendations to EU and national leaders on how we can face the current unprecedented set of challenges and drive an inclusive recovery.
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Europe’s recovery must be social
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated pre-existing inequalities, making vulnerable people even more so and creating new groups of ‘urban poor’. Eurocities makes 15 recommendations to EU and national leaders on how we can face the current unprecedented set of challenges and drive an inclusive recovery.
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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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City guidelines – Supporting new groups at risk of homelessness
Eurocities members have created guidelines on ‘supporting new groups at risk of homelessness’, and propose key steps in preventing homelessness among migrants and families.
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EUROCITIES report: Cities delivering social rights
Eurocities published a report mapping cities’ existing policy measures that are in line with the principles of the EU Pillar of Social Rights.
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