`On 3 December 2025, the European Commission launched the EU Agenda for Cities, a strategic framework aimed at empowering cities to tackle local challenges that contribute to broader EU goals. Recognizing that approximately 75% of the EU population lives in urban areas, the Agenda emphasizes cities as pivotal hubs for prosperity, innovation, social inclusion, and sustainable development. It aims to strengthen the territorial and urban dimensions of EU policies by promoting continuous dialogue with local authorities, simplifying support mechanisms through a consolidated EU Cities Platform, and enhancing strategic investment opportunities.
The Agenda addresses pressing urban challenges such as affordable housing, high energy costs, social segregation, climate impacts, and demographic shifts. It calls for better dialogue with city leaders, streamlined funding access via a single-entry web portal, and expanded investment through cohesion policy, the European Competitiveness Fund, Horizon Europe, and other instruments. Implementation starts under the current financial framework and will continue through the next programming period with initiatives like the European Urban Initiative Innovative Actions and regular reporting on the State of European Cities.
Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms Raffaele Fitto highlighted that the Agenda is built “with cities and for cities” to equip local leaders with tools to deliver tangible results, emphasizing that when cities lead, Europe succeeds by contributing 85% of EU GDP. This initiative complements existing frameworks such as the Territorial Agenda 2030 and the New Leipzig Charter and reinforces intergovernmental cooperation under the Urban Agenda for the EU.
Know more on the European Commission’s Regional Policy website.