The European Commission unveils the EU Agenda for Cities

The European Commission unveils the EU Agenda for Cities

On 3 December, the European Commission unveiled its EU Agenda for Cities, intended to highlight the role of European cities in implementing EU policies and aiming to streamline the various existing forms of European support to enhance simplicity and effectiveness. Among its actions, ERRIN welcomes: 

  • The creation of the EU Cities web portal, aiming to serve as a 'single entry point, organising information on all EU policies, programmes, funds, digital support tools, EU outreach networks, data, legislation and intergovernmental initiatives relevant to cities'.
  • The planned establishment of the EU Cities Platform in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034. This will bring together currently fragmented forms of support, including funding instruments, technical assistance, knowledge resources and digital tools, to provide simplified access to EU resources for cities of all sizes.
  • The creation of an annual high-level political dialogue between the Commission, Mayors and relevant stakeholders on major urban challenges - an encouraging sign of better integration of cities’ needs in EU policies. In addition to political-level discussions, regular targeted technical consultations with urban practitioners and the relevant Commission services will be organised to identify good practices and opportunities across thematic policy areas for reducing administrative burdens. 

However, certain elements of the Agenda will require close attention from ERRIN: 

  • Ensuring dedicated funding for cities in the future National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPPs). This point remains unclear in the document.
  • Access to the future European Competitiveness Fund (ECF). 

ERRIN welcomes the agenda as it recognises the central role of cities in achieving the EU’s objectives related to the European Green Deal, competitiveness and social cohesion. Nevertheless, ERRIN will continue to follow the implementation of the different actions with interest.  

In 2026, through its Smart Cities Working Group, ERRIN will follow the implementation of the EU Agenda for Cities and offer its members the opportunity to understand its implications and challenges. We will also create a space for dialogue with the Commission and other EU institutions to help shape upcoming actions, such as integrating the territorial dimension into the NRPPs and ECF and the design of the EU Cities Platform within the next Multiannual Financial Framework. 

Back in May 2025, ERRIN contributed to the call for evidence launched by the European Commission on the future EU Agenda for Cities, outlining three core areas where the Agenda must act to empower urban areas as essential drivers of the green and digital transitions: empowering cities and Functional Urban Areas to deliver on EU strategic priorities, Mission-oriented approaches as driver of urban transformation, strengthening regions and local R&I ecosystems. 

ERRIN contribution to the EU Agenda for Cities and its complete text can be found here.
The full EU Agenda for Cities can be found here.