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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Cities with no margins | Episode 1: The European Social Fund at a crossroads
The first episode of Eurocities’ new podcast series, ‘Cities with no margins’, examines the future of ESF+ and why cities must have a stronger voice in social funding.
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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 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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Eurocities contribution to the consultation on the new Action Plan of the European Pillar of Social Rights
Europe is navigating an increasingly complex socio-economic landscape. Rising inflation and the cost of living,
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shifting labour markets, and persistent socio-economic segregation are placing new pressures on communities. -
An urban compass for the European Pillar of Social Rights and its renewed Action Plan
This Eurocities’ report presents key proposals to ensure the EU’s next Action Plan for the European Pillar of Social Rights is more ambitious and responsive to the needs of city governments.
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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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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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