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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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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Empowering cities through the next EU Budget
As the EU enters negotiations on its post-2027 budget, this policy statement states that cities must have a stronger role in EU funding programmes to drive sustainable growth, improve social inclusion and tackle climate change. Cities call for better multilevel governance and direct access to EU funding.
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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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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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