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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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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How can cities ensure resilient labour markets?
The Covid-19 outbreak altered the patterns of the world of work and had a strong social economic impact at local level. Cities have designed emergency responses to support job retention, as well as long term measures for an inclusive and fast recovery.
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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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City actions and policy response to social and economic impacts of COVID-19
Eurocities has compiled two overviews of COVID-19 responses by cities – on policy responses to mitigate the socio-economic effects of the COVID-19 crisis, and cities actions on emergency measures and adapting social services.
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Reinforcing Youth Guarantee: Lessons learnt by cities in implementing the Youth Guarantee 2014-2020
EUROCITIES is showcasing the role of cities in implementing the Youth Guarantee 2014-2020 and what is needed to further support them to deliver youth guarantee schemes.
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EUROCITIES city leaders agenda for Europe
Eurocities ‘city leaders agenda for Europe’ is a wake-up call for those who care about Europe. We believe that urban and European challenges are strongly connected, and that there is a need for a deeper partnership between different levels of government to meet common challenges.
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Publication on the role of cities in promoting social entrepreneurship
What is the role of cities in promoting social entrepreneurship?
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