An EU Agenda for Cities: Driving Growth and Prosperity

The European Commission's new publication, the EU Agenda for Cities, sets out a strategic framework to strengthen the role of cities in delivering Europe’s long-term economic, social, and environmental objectives. 

The Importance of Cities

Recognising the importance of cities and the impact that European policies have on urban areas, the Agenda aims to better align EU action with local challenges and priorities while reinforcing the territorial and urban dimensions of EU policymaking.

Cities are central to Europe’s prosperity and competitiveness, but face mounting pressures to overcome challenges, including housing affordability, rising energy costs, climate impacts, security concerns, and social segregation. Demographic change and increasing demand for public services further challenge local authorities to adapt and retain skilled workforces.

Areas of Action in the Agenda 

The Agenda for Cities 2025 aims to respond to these dynamics through three core areas of action. 

First, it promotes continuous dialogue, establishing regular high-level political and technical exchanges between EU institutions and cities to ensure urban needs and experiences inform future legislation. 

Second, it prioritises simplification and capacity building through the creation of a new EU Cities Platform and a dedicated web portal, offering a single access point to information, funding opportunities, and urban policy initiatives. 

Third, it reinforces investment, building on cohesion policy and mobilising additional support through instruments such as Horizon Europe, the European Competitiveness Fund, and future partnership plans.

By accessing the Agenda, readers can also find information about upcoming opportunities for cities, such as the call for European Urban Initiative Innovative Actions, which will open in early 2026.