EU budget proposals risk side-lining cities
It has been an important month for Eurocities and its members, following the announcement of the EU budget proposals for 2028-2034. Announced on 16 July, the proposals include National and Regional Plans which the European Commission says will simplify the budget and tackle EU inequalities.
However, city leaders have warned that the EU plans for 27 National and Regional Plans risk increasing the centralisation of EU funds and further side-lining city governments.
In this month's newsletter, you can read our reaction and recommendations to improve the budget plans, along with our call for a strong post-2027 EU Cohesion Policy.
We also focus on the ongoing repression of democratically elected politicians in Turkey, and we highlight the increasing online abuse of women in local political leadership across Europe.
Finally, we feature some highlights of our EU media coverage in recent weeks, and we include some summer reads for you to enjoy. We wish you all a nice Summer! 🌞
Proposals for next EU budget risk side-lining cities
City leaders warn that the European Commission's proposals for the next seven-year EU budget risk increasing the centralisation of EU funds and further side-lining cities. The proposals do not include essential measures for cities, including earmaked funding and enhanced multilevel governance.
City leaders call for a renewed Cohesion Policy in next EU budget
In a Eurocities policy statement, city leaders call for a renewed Cohesion Policy in the next EU budget, placing cities at the heart of EU investment and helping to deliver the upcoming EU Policy Agenda for Cities.
European Commission must set a binding 90% domestic emissions-cut target for 2040
Mayors of cities in the Eurocities network are among the signatories of a letter to President of the European Commission Von der Leyen, Executive Vice-President Ribera, and European Commissioner Hoekstra.
European cities highlight ongoing repression of elected officials in Turkey
Following further arrests of democratically elected local politicians in Turkey, Eurocities draws attention to the ongoing repression of opposition figures.
Fighting online abuse: Women city leaders speak out
As online abuse intensifies, women in political leadership are being targeted with hate designed to intimidate and drive them out of the spotlight. At the Eurocities Conference 2025, women leaders shared their experiences and pushed for systemic change.
A call for urgent action to tackle noise pollution in European cities
The EU must support cities with binding noise reduction targets, funding, and improved data to help tackle the growing impact of noise on health, the economy and nature.
Eurocities in the news...
POLITICO Living Cities: Put cities in the centre: Read a summary of the discussions at the Eurocities Conference 2025 in Braga, where local leaders stated that the EU must work with cities to tackle Europe's challenges. Read more.
POLITICO Podcast: EU Confidential: Listen to an in depth interview on the findings of the Eurocities Pulse Mayors Survey 2025, with Politico reporter Aitor Hernández-Morales (begins at 22 minutes). Listen here.
POLITICO: VDL to Europe’s cities: You’re on your own: Local and regional leaders say the European Commission’s new budget proposal could sever a vital financial lifeline to their communities. Learn more.
A few summer reads....
Nilufer is building a local food system rooted in participation and resilience
Nilufer develops an integrated urban food system with municipal food hubs, local sales points, and citizen participation, supported by EU projects and cooperation.
How city diplomacy is shaping EU and global policy
As Europe confronts global challenges such as climate change and migration, cities are increasingly taking on diplomatic roles traditionally reserved for national governments. By doing so, city governments are enhancing their capacity for both EU and international engagement.
Center Rog: Ljubljana’s creative hub
Once a factory, now a home for makers: Center Rog keeps Ljubljana’s heritage alive through creativity, community and shared urban life.
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.