Eurocities Shadow Commission champions urban priorities at EU level
It has been a busy couple of months in Brussels, which has seen the re-election of Ursula von der Leyen as President of the European Commission, and the appointment of a new College of EU Commissioners.
Key decisions are being taken at EU level, and Eurocities and its members are working to ensure the voices of cities is heard during this crucial period.
As a central part of this work, this month we launched the full list of city leaders in our Eurocities Shadow Commission, which will raise the voices of city mayors as direct political counterparts to the incoming College of European Commissioners.
Below you can read about our plans for the Shadow Commission, along with cities' call for EU action to tackle the housing crisis, our reaction to Mario Draghi's EU competitiveness report, and updates from the Eurocities Culture Forum in Belfast.
Read all of these articles and more from our cities below 👇
Eurocities Shadow Commission College: Raising mayor's voices at EU level
Eurocities has launched its full Shadow Commission College, to raise the profiles of city mayors as direct political counterparts to the incoming College of European Commissioners.
Cities demand action to tackle "critical" housing crisis
The housing crisis in cities has reached critical levels, affecting the most vulnerable. Despite obstacles and limited capabilities and funding, cities across Europe implement innovative approaches to address the housing challenge.
Culture as a connector in Europe’s cities
At the Eurocities Culture Forum, cities present how they use culture to connect communities, revitalise economies and address climate challenges.
Watch the video above and read our article.
“Care-full” cities: a vision for culture and human connection
In her keynote speech at Eurocities Culture Forum, Ali FitzGibbons urges cities to prioritise human connection, culture, and spontaneity over rigid success.
Next generation for a greener Vilnius
Becoming EU Green Capital 2024 is not about reinventing the wheel for Vilnius: “It’s not like we’re moving in a completely different direction after we won the European Green Capital. It’s about consistency.”
Food Trails launches new podcast series on urban food systems
Host Natasha Foote presents the Food Trails podcast, exploring the power of cities in shaping sustainable food systems.
Listen to the podcast above and read our article.
EU competitiveness plans must better recognise cities’ importance
Mario Draghi’s EU competitiveness report presents ambitious plans to tackle Europe’s economic challenges. But to achieve the EU's sustainable economic goals, cities must be given support for green initiatives and workforce training.
Call for Ukrainian municipalities to join SUN4Ukraine
The SUN4Ukraine project, coordinated by Eurocities, is inviting Ukrainian municipalities to take part in its transformative programme towards climate neutrality.
A Munich that talks back
Do you ever wish you could have a conversation with the city you live in? Now, thanks to a combination of the municipally developed digital twin, artificial intelligence, and the work of a local start up, this may soon be possible in Munich.
Boosting youth innovation in San Sebastian
Through a combination of education, employment, housing, and innovation initiatives, the local government is working to ensure that the city remains a dynamic environment for the next generation of innovators.
Watch the video above and read our article.
Brussels seminar invite: Cities’ central role in climate adaptation
This seminar, titled ‘Climate Resilience by 2050: The Catalytic Role of European Cities in Adaptation,' brings together policymakers, experts and city leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities of climate adaptation in European cities.
Learn more and register for the seminar.
How to finance cities’ and regions digital transformation
European cities are navigating the challenges of digital transformation, from funding gaps to skills shortages, and the push for more accessible EU support.
A UNITES story – fighting fires to integrate in Athens
As part of UNITES, Athens is progressing in co-design strategies. The Greek Forum of Migrants and the municipality join forces for efficient integration.
Just before you go, we have a quick question for you.
Can you recognise the city featured in the banner at the start of this newsletter? If you can, please tell us at communications@eurocities.eu. We will feature a different city in the banner each month. And let us know what you think of our newsletter too.