More Urban, More Impact - EUROCITIES opinion on future Cohesion Policy
EUROCITIES believes that a more active role of cities in the future cohesion policy is the only way to reach Europe’s 2020 objectives of ‘smart, sustainable and inclusive growth’. This will not be achieved without smart, sustainable and inclusive cities. Cities account for 75% of our population, 80% of energy use and 85% of Europe's GDP.
We need an ambitious urban agenda
If we want Europe to maintain its economic competitiveness in this rapidly changing world, to deliver a high quality of life for our 500 million Europeans, we must invest in our cities so that they perform economically, socially and environmentally, driving the development of their regions and countries for the benefit of all. Cohesion policy is a key instrument at the strategic, EU level to support those goals. For future cohesion policy to be effective, efficient and enduring, we need an ambitious urban agenda. To read more on what this means click on the document under ‘Reference material’.