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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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 strategy to support city governments to decarbonise the sector and meet EU climate targets.
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Reducing urban air pollution with new Ecodesign rules for solid-fuel heaters
Air pollution is responsible for 240,000 premature deaths annually across the EU making exposure to fine particulate matter a pressing public health emergency.
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Local governments must be involved in national Social Climate Plans
With just weeks until EU member states must submit their national Social Climate Plans, this report from the Local Alliance, including Eurocities, says most national governments are not properly consulting local authorities – despite clear obligations in the EU Social Climate Fund regulations.
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Energy Transition Without Subsidies: Why Local Authorities Struggle with Innovative Financing
A new report published under the PROSPECT+ project, ‘Energy Transition Without Subsidies: Why Local Authorities Struggle with Innovative Financing’, reveals the deep challenges municipalities face and provides concrete, realistic recommendations to national and EU-level decision-makers.
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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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COP28: Europe’s cities demand EU 2040 reduction target of at least 90%
As COP28 continues, Europe’s cities have called on the EU to commit to at least a 90% net reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. A new Eurocities policy statement outlines how the EU must collaborate with cities to achieve this urgent goal.
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Cities to the EU: help enforce traffic rules on foreign vehicles
In a joint letter, 20 cities call on the European Parliament to help municipalities fine foreign drivers breaching local traffic rules.
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Joint letter on nature restoration
Eurocities and the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) have issued a joint statement in response to the European Commission’s proposed EU Nature Restoration Law (NRL).
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Unpacking the Packaging Waste Regulation
The European Commission is proposing some major changes to the way we handle packaging waste.
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