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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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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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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Cities as key partners in EU research and innovation plans
In this Eurocities policy statement, city leaders call on the EU to ensure they are recognised as central partners in the development and implementation of research and innovation plans, particularly the upcoming EU Framework Programme 10.
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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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Pathways for Food 2030 led Urban Food Policies
The final publication from the Food Trails project synthesises four years of work, insights, and best practices shared by the project partners. It serves as both a knowledge sharing document and a guide for future policy action.
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Eurocities calls for fast and high-quality passenger train connections across Europe
Eurocities is calling on the European institutions to support the development of a comprehensive high-quality rail network that links all European major cities and urban centres.
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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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Policy brief on advancing charging infrastructure
Recommendations for European, national and local policy that are necessary to facilitate massive adoption of electric charging infrastructure across Europe’s cities.
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Eurocities Statement: A more sustainable and inclusive culture starts in cities
In the lead-up to the EU elections, cities show how culture has its place in shaping a better Europe and ask for a stronger partnership going forward.
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Policy Monitor – European Heritage Hub
The European Heritage Hub Policy Monitor maps out policies impacting cultural and natural heritage across European, national and local level.
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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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