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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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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Access to affordable and social housing and support to homeless people
This report is the third in a series of surveys to collect evidence from cities on the implementation of the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights.
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A stronger social Europe powered by inclusive cities
A new position paper by Eurocities on Social Europe makes 15 recommendations to EU and national leaders on how we can face the current unprecedented set of challenges and drive an inclusive recovery.
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Europe’s recovery must be social
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated pre-existing inequalities, making vulnerable people even more so and creating new groups of ‘urban poor’. Eurocities makes 15 recommendations to EU and national leaders on how we can face the current unprecedented set of challenges and drive an inclusive recovery.
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