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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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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City diplomacy in times of multiple crises – Trends, structures and opportunities
This policy brief from the City Diplomacy Lab, written by authors from Eurocities, the University of Lausanne, and the University of Melbourne, reveals that city diplomacy in Europe and across the world is becoming increasingly sophisticated, yet structural challenges continue to limit its effectiveness.
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EU Policy Agenda for Cities: What city leaders need
This policy statement states that the upcoming EU Policy Agenda for Cities must acknowledge cities’ critical role in addressing Europe’s most urgent challenges. It calls for an EU-cities partnership, built on long-term collaboration and providing cities with the resources, funding and regulatory frameworks they need to deliver on EU priorities.
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Joint letter: Local and regional leaders call for new era in EU governance
In a joint letter sent to EU decision makers, Eurocities has joined over over 80 cities and regions to call for a new era in EU governance that recognises local governments as essential partners in shaping Europe’s future.
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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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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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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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Could new EU targets melt into air?
How would you rate air quality legislation that will have difficulty improving overall air quality, will not be acted upon in time, and is contradicted by other regulations? If we don’t close loopholes now, this could be what the EU’s revised Ambient Air Quality Directive leaves us with.
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