Policy and advocacy
Our policy and advocacy work starts with cities.
From climate action and housing to mobility, digital transformation and social inclusion, our priorities are shaped by the challenges and opportunities cities face every day.
Through our network, member cities develop common positions and help ensure EU policies and funding reflect local realities. Explore our latest policy positions below.
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Lower speeds in cities: A key lever for Vision Zero in Europe
This policy statement from Eurocities and the ETSC calls for stronger national and EU action to make lower urban speeds a central part of Europe’s road safety policy and accelerate progress towards Vision Zero.
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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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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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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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Making the EU Budget work for cities & regions: Local Alliance’s 10-point action plan
The European Commission’s proposals for the next seven-year EU budget risk side-lining city and regional governments. In response, the Local Alliance has set out a 10-point plan to ensure the next budget delivers tangible results for people in all territories in Europe and beyond.
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Cities and railways unite for a European high-speed rail network
Following the announcement of the EU’s plan for a pan-European high-speed rail network, Eurocities and the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies have issued a joint declaration outlining recommendations to make high-speed rail a cornerstone of Europe’s sustainable mobility future.
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Cities’ central role in decarbonising EU heating and cooling sector
Europe’s heating and cooling sector uses half the continent’s energy, yet continues to rely on fossil fuels. This Eurocities policy statement calls for the EU’s new cooling and heating strategy to support city governments to decarbonise the sector and meet EU climate targets.
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Purchasing with purpose: Eurocities’ position on public procurement
This Eurocities policy paper sets out cities’ recommendations for simpler, more flexible EU public procurement rules. It calls for a framework that helps cities use their purchasing power to drive innovation, sustainability, better public services and stronger local impact.
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From corporate fleet to street: Decarbonising urban mobility across Europe
As the European Commission advances its initiative on corporate fleet decarbonisation, Eurocities sees a strategic opportunity to align fleet reform with cities’ climate, air quality, and mobility goals.
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