Eurocities

Climate resilience depends on more than plans, funding and infrastructure. It depends on people. 🏙️ As cities face increasing climate risks, from heatwaves and floods to droughts and extreme weather events, local governments need the capacity to understand these challenges and respond effectively. That means having staff with the time, expertise and resources to assess risks, coordinate action across departments, engage stakeholders and turn adaptation plans into concrete measures on the ground. Yet many cities continue to face capacity constraints. According to the latest findings from our Pulse Report, 19% of cities still lack dedicated staff for climate adaptation, while many others struggle with limited human resources and technical expertise. Alongside investment in infrastructure and technology, cities need investment in people, knowledge and institutional capacity to prepare for the risks ahead. 📖 Read the full report to discover how cities across Europe are assessing climate risks, building resilience and identifying the support needed to accelerate adaptation action. 👉 https://lnkd.in/eDrk_Kkv

Europe’s mayors expect the next ten years to reshape the relationship between the EU and its cities. This year’s #EurocitiesPulse Mayors Survey shows that city leaders want a stronger and more direct partnership with the EU. 📊 52% of mayors expect more direct EU funding for cities over the next decade, including dedicated local investment envelopes and a stronger urban dimension in EU programmes. This ambition also reflects the new EU Policy Agenda for Cities, which calls for a stronger role for cities in shaping, implementing and governing European policies. ⚠️ But mayors also warn of risks. 18% expect a shift towards a more centralised EU model, with larger programmes and stricter conditions that could reduce flexibility for cities.  A further 17% fear a shift towards renationalisation, with national governments taking greater control over funding, regulation and planning. As negotiations on the next EU budget intensify, mayors are calling for cities to be treated as strategic partners, not just beneficiaries of EU policy. 🏙️ The next decade will help define whether Europe works more directly with its cities, or moves further away from the local level where EU priorities are delivered. Read the findings of the Eurocities Pulse Mayors Survey 2026 👉  

What does it mean to put cities at the centre of Europe’s future? It means making sure Ukrainian mayors are part of conversations on recovery financing. It means ensuring EU social funding reflects the realities of poverty, homelessness and exclusion in local communities. It means showing, with evidence from 60 cities, how local governments can help deliver Europe’s competitiveness agenda. These are three of the stories we are highlighting this week at Eurocities, each chosen by colleagues working closely with our members and partners. Read, like, share and comment 👇

European mayors are ready to deliver on the EU’s biggest goals, from climate action and housing to mobility, democracy and social inclusion. But they need a stronger partnership with Europe to make it happen. As negotiations on the next long-term EU budget reach a critical stage, city leaders are calling for more direct and predictable EU funding, with investment that reaches cities and supports local priorities. They also want simpler rules, fewer bureaucratic barriers and a stronger EU Policy Agenda for Cities, to ensure urban needs are properly reflected in EU decision-making. As pressure grows on local budgets and services, mayors are asking to be recognised as strategic partners. Cities are closest to residents and are often responsible for turning EU policies into real results. The message is clear: to deliver on its goals, the EU must empower its cities. Read the full findings from the Eurocities Pulse Mayors Survey 2026 👉  https://lnkd.in/eNuYtt-6

This autumn, join us in Lisbon to learn more about preserving local stories through oral history and digital innovation. This is a visit where you exchange with local practitioners, participate in collaborative workshops, and discover how cultural heritage can safeguard collective memory for inclusive and sustainable urban development. Eurocities is organising this activity as part of the European Heritage Hub project. 📅 Apply by 7 September 2026 Learn more & submit your application 👉 https://lnkd.in/eBSwdPEB

📊 Climate risks are changing fast, but many cities don't have the resources to keep pace. Heatwaves are becoming more frequent, rainfall patterns are shifting, and climate impacts are affecting neighbourhoods in different ways. To prepare, cities need up-to-date information on who and what is most at risk. Yet only 56% of cities regularly carry out climate risk and vulnerability assessments, while 33% do not. Many cities report that assessments are carried out as one-off exercises because of limited staff, funding or technical expertise. Populations change, neighbourhoods evolve, and extreme weather events become more frequent and intense. Without regular assessments, cities are making decisions based on outdated information. That's why cities are calling for support to strengthen local capacity, improve access to climate data, and carry out regular risk assessments as part of the upcoming EU Climate Resilience Framework 📘 Read the report: https://lnkd.in/eDrk_Kkv

This August, the Eurocities staff is sharing their top three achievements of 2026 and some interesting Summer resources to read or listen to. Like, share and comment with your top three 👇

As temperatures rise again in European cities, it’s time to remember climate change does not affect everyone equally. Older people, children, people experiencing homelessness, those living with health conditions, and residents in poorly insulated homes often face the greatest risks during extreme heat. The good news? Most cities understand this challenge. According to CIDOB (Barcelona Centre for International Affairs)’s and Eurocities’ latest publication, Urban Climate Resilience in Europe, 67% of cities identify vulnerable groups in their climate plans. However, only 44% of cities have adaptation measures specifically designed to protect them. Cities need the resources, skills and support to close this gap and ensure resilience efforts reach those who need them most. As the EU prepares its Climate Resilience Framework, supporting cities to protect vulnerable people must be a priority. 📘 Read the report: https://lnkd.in/eqJrqxN5

📢 WEBINAR INVITE: How can Europe make 30 km/h the default urban speed limit? 🚗🚶European cities are showing that lower urban speed limits can save lives, prevent serious injuries and create safer, healthier and more liveable streets. This is essential to achieving #VisionZero, the EU commitment to eliminate all road deaths and serious injuries by 2050. 📊 A recent #EurocitiesPulse survey found that 75% of cities introducing limits of 30 km/h or lower have recorded fewer deaths and injuries. ➡️ But cities cannot deliver Vision Zero alone. Success requires cooperation across local, national and European levels of government. Cities need the power to set safer speeds, national rules that enable action, and EU funding and guidance to support implementation. Join Eurocities, the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) and city leaders for this webinar to discuss how every level of government can turn Vision Zero into action. 📅 Wednesday 9 September at 10:00 CET 🔗 Register here 👉 https://lnkd.in/d4RVPhSW 🔗 And learn more about cities’ position 👉 https://lnkd.in/dHdgyfhd #RoadSafety #UrbanMobility #30kmh

👏 We are excited to be part of the next phase of the Nets4Dem project - NetsDem 2.0! Take a look at the innovative democratic initiatives planned for the project 👉 https://lnkd.in/e-7MRFmC 📝 And read some of Nets4Dem's key achievements so far in the Eurocities-led publication 'Democratic Innovation in Cities.' ➡️ It shows how European cities are developing new ways to involve residents in local decision-making 👉 https://lnkd.in/dp8uF58c