Cities need real support to deliver Europe’s ambitions

This article is brought to you in association with the European Economic and Social Committee.

The European Economic and Social Committee says Europe’s cities are central to economic growth, social cohesion and the green and digital transitions. In its response to the European Commission’s proposed EU Agenda for Cities, the EESC welcomes the overall vision but warns that it lacks concrete measures and risks falling short of its goals.

Adopted in April, the opinion calls for a stronger, more practical framework to help cities of all sizes tackle major challenges, from climate change and housing shortages to inequality and labour gaps. The EESC stresses that cities are not just places where EU policies are implemented, but key partners that should help shape them from the start.

‘Cities are where Europe’s policies become reality,’ said rapporteur Florian Marin, alongside co-rapporteur Roman Haken. ‘If we want liveable, inclusive and resilient cities, we need clear action, proper funding and real involvement of local actors.’

From vision to action

In its recommendations, the EESC supports the goal of creating liveable, inclusive and prosperous cities, but says the current proposal is too broad. It calls for a clear action plan with defined responsibilities, timelines and measurable results.

Cities should also be fully involved in decision-making, and not treated as mere implementers. The EESC recommends setting up permanent cooperation between European, national and local levels, ensuring that cities and organised civil society can contribute to policy design from an early stage.

It also asks to be formally included in the governance of the EU Agenda for Cities, alongside the European Committee of the Regions.

Better funding and simpler access

Access to funding remains a major challenge, especially for smaller cities. The EESC calls for more predictable and accessible financing, including the possibility for cities to apply directly for EU funds.

It also recommends that a dedicated European fund be established for urban projects and calls for stronger technical support for local authorities. Clearer coordination between existing programmes is needed to avoid confusion and gaps.

Housing and inequality at the centre

The opinion highlights growing pressure on housing in many cities and calls for a stronger European framework to ensure access to affordable and adequate homes. Housing should be treated as a social need, not just a market issue.

The EESC also warns that rising inequality, including the financialization of housing and land, is undermining liveability. It calls for measures to limit speculation, regulate short-term rentals and support non-profit and cooperative housing models.

Stronger role for citizens and social partners

The EESC stresses that urban policy must be built with people, not just for them. Employers, trade unions and civil society organisations should be involved throughout the policy process, from design to implementation and evaluation.

It also calls for more tools to support citizen participation, such as local forums and panels, and for stronger community-led approaches to development.

Greener, fairer and more resilient cities

Cities are on the front line of climate change, facing heatwaves, pollution and environmental risks. The EESC calls for more support for green infrastructure, such as parks, water management and nature-based solutions.

At the same time, climate action should go hand in hand with social fairness, ensuring that vulnerable groups are not left behind.

A more balanced approach

The EESC underlines the need to strengthen links between cities and rural areas and to support balanced territorial development across Europe. It also calls for better data, clearer monitoring and stronger coordination between existing initiatives.

Europe needs an ambitious urban agenda, but ambition must be matched by action. Without clear measures, proper funding and true partnerships with cities and civil society, the EU Agenda for Cities risks remaining a vision on paper rather than a tool for real change.