European governments are tending to perceive cities as sites of renewed economic dynamism and physical renaissance. Cities are moreover viewed as places that can help to resolve social and environmental challenges. This paper 'Resurgent European cities?', written by Ivan Turok and Vlad Mykhnenko, looks at the question whether the position of European cities has really improved, or whether cities have always been relative places of prosperity. The paper explores six economic variables for 151 cities over a 25-year period between 1980 and 2005. The paper is part of a larger study of European cities supported by the Scottish Funding Council under the Centre for Public Policy for Regions.