European Commission Launches the EU Agenda for Cities to Strengthen the Role of Urban Areas in Europe’s Future

On 3 December 2025, the European Commission published the EU Agenda for Cities: Driving Growth and Prosperity, a new strategic framework designed to strengthen urban development policy and reinforce the role of cities in shaping Europe’s future growth, innovation, and resilience.

With over 75% of the EU population living in urban areas, cities are increasingly at the forefront of addressing Europe’s most pressing challenges, including climate change, housing affordability, social inequalities, and economic competitiveness. The EU Agenda for Cities responds to this reality by placing cities at the heart of EU policymaking and investment.

Building on existing frameworks such as the Territorial Agenda 2030, the New Leipzig Charter, and the Urban Agenda for the EU (Pact of Amsterdam, 2016), the new agenda introduces a more streamlined and integrated approach to supporting cities. It aims to better align urban needs with EU policies, improve access to funding, foster continuous dialogue with local authorities, and support innovation for sustainable urban development.

Key actions under the EU Agenda for Cities include:

• An EU Cities Web Portal, serving as a single entry point for information on funding opportunities, events, policy updates, and urban initiatives.

• A new EU Cities Platform, to be launched under the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034), simplifying and coordinating EU support for cities.

• Strengthened dialogue with local authorities, ensuring that cities’ needs and experiences inform future EU policies and legislation.

• Enhanced monitoring and knowledge-sharing, including the development of “State of European Cities” reports.

The agenda focuses on critical urban challenges such as housing, clean energy, smart mobility, social inclusion, security, and competitiveness, while recognising cities as key drivers of decarbonisation, innovation, and economic growth.

As Europe enters a new phase of urban policy, the EU Agenda for Cities marks a decisive step toward empowering cities with the tools, funding, and partnerships they need to turn EU ambitions—such as the European Green Deal, digital transformation, and social cohesion—into tangible local action.

Together, European institutions and cities are shaping a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable urban future.

Photo: European Comission