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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How to make National Energy and Climate Plans more implementable and investable
The revision of the Governance Regulation is a key opportunity to make EU climate governance more focused on implementation and investment. The current framework has strengthened national planning, but still does not fully reflect how climate action is delivered locally through existing plans and investment pipelines.
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Local Alliance letter to European Council: EU budget must recognise cities & regions
In a joint letter ahead of the European Council on 18-19 June, the Local Alliance calls for the next EU budget to put cities and regions at the heart of EU investment and delivery.
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Making Automated Mobility work for cities and people in Europe
This Eurocities policy paper sets out how automated mobility can work for cities and people, rather than simply add more vehicles to urban streets.
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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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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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From crisis to action. A call for an integrated EU Anti-Poverty Strategy led by cities
17% of urban inhabitants in Europe are at risk of poverty. Poverty in the European Union is a multidimensional issue that extends far beyond income levels, affecting individuals’ ability to live with dignity and fully participate in society. Rising living costs have intensified challenges such as food, energy, housing, and transport poverty, particularly in urban
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Eurocities contribution to the consultation on the new Action Plan of the European Pillar of Social Rights
Europe is navigating an increasingly complex socio-economic landscape. Rising inflation and the cost of living,
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shifting labour markets, and persistent socio-economic segregation are placing new pressures on communities. -
An urban compass for the European Pillar of Social Rights and its renewed Action Plan
This Eurocities’ report presents key proposals to ensure the EU’s next Action Plan for the European Pillar of Social Rights is more ambitious and responsive to the needs of city governments.
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Improving cities’ access to EU funding for housing
EU housing funds play a crucial role in supporting social and affordable housing, but they are not sufficiently targeted at local authorities. Cities face barriers in accessing these funds, limiting their ability to address the housing crisis. Stronger financial support and better access are urgently needed.
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Report on Mental health in cities: Beyond traditional healthcare services
This report focuses on mental health (Principle 16 of the European Pillar of Social Rights – Access to Health). It highlights how cities are creating policies and services that not only target mental health but also address the social factors, such as housing, employment and social inclusion, that greatly impact citizens’ wellbeing.
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Eurocities’ call to end gender-based violence in Europe
On 25 November, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, Eurocities mayors call for immediate and comprehensive action to address the alarming prevalence of gender-based violence in Europe.
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Eurocities statement on women’s rights and gender equality
On the occasion of International Women’s Day on 8 March 2023, mayors from the Eurocities network reconfirm their commitment to secure women’s rights and achieve true gender equality.
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Gender equality lessons from cities
Eurocities publishes a report mapping cities’ existing policy measures that align with the European Pillar of Social Rights principles, including gender equality.
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Fighting child poverty in European cities
Even before the pandemic, child poverty levels were already high in cities – often much higher than national averages, which is why many cities have already been finding innovative ways to combat it, as outlined in two new publications by Eurocities.
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