Today, around 75% of Europeans live in cities, towns and suburbs. Here people come together, innovation happens and business thrives. Yet, this vast potential also brings some of the European Union’s most pressing challenges: rising climate risks, social inequality, housing shortages, transport bottlenecks, digital divides, pressure on public services, and more.
Local governments are at the frontline to tackle these challenges and implement European Union policies and legislation – they turn European goals into tangible results, projects and opportunities for citizens.
The EU recognises cities of all sizes as essential partners in shaping a prosperous, resilient, inclusive and democratic Europe.
Through a wide range of policies, funding instruments, and networks, the EU works hand in hand with cities to help them plan, finance and implement solutions, from cutting emissions, nurturing nature and improving mobility to fostering innovation and strengthening social cohesion.
Major support instruments and policies include notably the EU Cohesion policy, the Recovery and Resilience Facility, Horizon Europe (including the EU Mission for Climate Neutral and Smart Cities), the EU Covenant of Mayors, and CIVITAS.
The EU Agenda for Cities establishes a comprehensive framework for sustainable and integrated urban development that empowers every city, regardless of its size, to reach its full potential. Consolidation and simplification of cities’ access to EU support tools, and improved dialogue with local authorities are at the core of this Agenda.
It puts forward a number of actions to be deployed, both in the current programming period 2021-2027 and as part of the multiannual financial framework 2028-2034, to ensure that cities have the resources and guidance they need.
