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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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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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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Circular textiles: making fashion more sustainable
A new position paper by Eurocities calls for greater emphasis on circular textiles, to ensure sustainable design for repair, reuse and recycling.
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Packaging and packaging waste: Waste as a valuable resource
Making the transition to a circular economy requires a rethink on waste, so that it can be deemed to be a valuable resource.
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Making digital opportunities work for people and the public good
Over the past 20 years, the digital transformation has, in some respects, shaped our daily activity beyond recognition. Ahead of the announced Digital Services Act of the European Commission, Eurocities shares several recommendations on how to make digital opportunities work better for people and the public good.
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Circular Economy Action Plan
Eurocities policy statement on the EU Circular Economy Action Plan.
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Speeding up the green transition of the EU’s economy
By 2050, two-thirds of the global population will live in cities. Under the current ‘take-make-waste’ economy, cities consume over 75% of natural resources, produce over 50% of global waste, and emit between 60-80% of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).
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Policy statement – Cohesion policy post 2020 – October 2019
Cohesion policy is under threat. The EU’s main investment tool for territorial cohesion and economic convergence faces proposed budget cuts.
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A strong cohesion policy for Europe and citizen
Linked to the debate on the future of Europe and the next EU budget, the Eurocities policy paper on post-2020 cohesion policy calls for a reinforced and simplified cohesion policy for Europe and its citizens.
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