On Wednesday 3 December, the European Commission adopted a communication setting out various measures for a new ‘EU Agenda for Cities'. It sets out a strategic vision and measures to support European cities in their central role as engines of growth, innovation and social cohesion.
The Commission is committed to establishing an ongoing, structured dialogue with local authorities:
- high-level political dialogue: from 2026, annual meetings will bring together the Commission, mayors and economic players to identify obstacles and opportunities in the implementation of European policies;
- targeted technical consultations: regular exchanges with the Commission will help to simplify administrative procedures and improve territorial assessment tools;
- closer cooperation with the European Committee of the Regions and the European Parliament;
- organisation of the Cities Forum (next edition in 2027);
- report on the state of European cities, from 2026.
Simplification. To make it easier for towns and cities to access European tools and funding, the Commission will set up a dedicated web portal (by the end of 2025).
A Cities Helpdesk will also be set up as part of the European Urban Initiative (EUI), to help cities identify appropriate support instruments and funding.
An EU Cities Platform will be launched in 2028. It will bring together funding tools, advisory services, digital resources and networking opportunities. This platform will offer tailor-made support, from strategic planning to the implementation of innovative projects.
Financial support. The Commission reaffirms its commitment to mobilising funds for cities, in particular:
- Cohesion Policy: more than €100 billion have been allocated to cities for the period 2021-2027;
- Recovery and Resilience Fund (RRF): €26 billion to support sustainable transport and urban mobility projects;
- European Investment Bank (EIB): since 2021, over €80 billion has been invested in urban projects;
- calls for innovative projects: a fourth call for projects under the ‘European Urban Initiative’ will be launched in the first quarter of 2026.
Finally, the Commission invites the Member States to incorporate the priorities of this Cities Agenda into their National and Regional Partnership Plans for the period 2028-2034.
To see the agenda: https://aeur.eu/f/jtv (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)