Eurocities membership is open to cities and metropolitan areas across Europe that share our values and commitment to building inclusive, democratic, sustainable and prosperous cities.

Different membership categories are available depending on the type of city or local authority.

Eurocities offers different membership categories to reflect the diversity of local authorities across Europe and beyond. Eligibility is based primarily on the type, size and location of the local authority:

• Full membership — open to cities with more than 250,000 inhabitants (or cities of particular strategic or geographical significance) and metropolitan authorities with more than 400,000 inhabitants located in the EU or EEA.
• Associate membership — available to cities and metropolitan authorities meeting the same population criteria but located outside the EU/EEA.
• Partnership membership — open to cities and local authorities with between 50,000 and 250,000 inhabitants that wish to engage in Eurocities activities and benefit from the network. Partnership members take part in one or more thematic areas aligned with their priorities, connecting with peers, exchanging knowledge and contributing to Eurocities’ work in selected policy fields.

Full and associate members can take part in all Eurocities forums and thematic groups relevant to their priorities and interests. There’s no limit on how many representatives from a member city can join Eurocities activities, access member-only resources or take part in political and technical meetings. Municipal agencies and organisations that are part of the city administration can also be involved where relevant.

Partnership members can take part in the forums and thematic groups relevant to their priorities and interests. As with full and associate members, there’s no limit on the number of representatives who can get involved, access member-only resources or join political and technical meetings, and municipal agencies and organisations within the city administration can be included where relevant.

To apply:

• Contact us.
• Submit the membership application form and supporting documentation.
• Your application is reviewed according to the procedures set out in the Statutes.
• Membership is subject to approval by the Eurocities Executive Committee.

The timeline depends on when your application is received and the meeting schedule of the Eurocities Executive Committee. The Eurocities office can advise on the next available approval date.

Yes. Annual membership fees apply and vary according to the membership category and the population size of the local authority. A detailed fee schedule is available on request.

Membership becomes effective following approval by the Eurocities Executive Committee and completion of the administrative process.

Yes. Eurocities welcomes different forms of local government, including cities, municipalities, metropolitan authorities and other eligible local authorities, subject to the membership criteria.

Joining Eurocities is just the beginning. New members are supported through dedicated onboarding activities designed to help them quickly connect with the network, identify relevant opportunities and make the most of their membership.

Members can:

• Join forums and thematic groups that match their priorities and areas of expertise.
• Connect with peers and city leaders across Europe to exchange knowledge, experiences and solutions to common urban challenges.
• Attend conferences, forums, working group meetings and networking events throughout the year.
• Contribute to Eurocities policy work, helping to shape common city positions and influence European decision-making.
• Take part in EU-funded projects, peer-learning activities and city-to-city exchanges.
• Access training, capacity-building and peer-learning opportunities to develop skills, exchange expertise and learn from innovative practice across Europe.
• Take part in political initiatives and campaigns, such as the Leaders Circle and Mayors for Democracy.
• Engage in Eurocities governance, including elections and leadership roles, where applicable.

Whether your city wants to influence EU policy, learn from peers, showcase good practice or build strategic partnerships, Eurocities offers many ways to get involved and make an impact.

Eurocities brings cities together to develop common positions on issues that affect urban areas and represents members’ interests to EU institutions.

Through policy advocacy, consultations, campaigns and direct engagement with the European Commission, European Parliament and other stakeholders, Eurocities helps ensure that the voice of cities is reflected in European policymaking.

Members can contribute their expertise, share local experience and help shape Eurocities policy positions through forums and thematic groups.

Yes. Mayors, deputy mayors, councillors and other elected representatives play an important role in Eurocities activities.

They can take part in political discussions, high-level events, forums and governance bodies, helping to shape Eurocities’ priorities and positions on key urban issues. Elected representatives can also get involved through initiatives such as the Leaders Circle, political campaigns including Mayors for Democracy, city-to-city exchanges, and the Eurocities Shadow Commission, which brings local leaders together to discuss and influence European policy from an urban perspective.

English is the main working language of Eurocities and is used for most meetings, events, publications and online activities.

At the same time, Eurocities is a diverse network bringing together cities from across Europe. Our team includes colleagues from many different nationalities and linguistic backgrounds who can often provide support and facilitate contacts in members’ native languages when needed.

We also work closely with national city networks and informal national groups of Eurocities members, helping cities stay connected and engaged in ways that reflect their local context.

While fluency in English is crucial for full participation in the network, we strive to make Eurocities as accessible and inclusive as possible for all members.