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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Cities and railways unite for a European high-speed rail network
Following the announcement of the EU's plan for a pan-European high-speed rail network, Eurocities and the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies have issued a joint declaration outlining recommendations to make high-speed rail a cornerstone of Europe’s sustainable mobility future.
3 minute read -
Cities’ central role in decarbonising EU heating and cooling sector
Europe's heating and cooling sector uses half the continent's energy, yet continues to rely on fossil fuels. This Eurocities policy statement calls for the EU's new cooling and heating to support city governments to decarbonise the sector and meet EU climate targets.
4 minute read -
From corporate fleet to street: Decarbonising urban mobility across Europe
As the European Commission advances its initiative on corporate fleet decarbonisation, Eurocities sees a strategic opportunity to align fleet reform with cities’ climate, air quality, and mobility goals.
2 minute read -
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.
4 minute read
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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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Paving the way for sustainable cities
New EUROCITIES report on the implementation of SDGs at local level
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