Eurocities is a network of over 200 large cities in Europe, working towards a better future through cooperation, advocacy, and knowledge exchange.
Eurocities is a network of over 200 large cities in Europe, representing more than 130 million people across 38 countries. The organization was established in 1986 by the mayors of six major cities: Barcelona, Birmingham, Frankfurt, Lyon, Milan, and Rotterdam. Eurocities aims to ensure that cities and their people are heard in Europe, striving for a Europe where cities are genuine partners with the EU to create a better future for all. The network focuses on various thematic areas, including governance, climate and environment, digital transformation, culture, food, mobility, migration, social affairs, and economic development. Eurocities promotes the implementation of the European Union's subsidiarity principle, which offers opportunities to engage and influence EU initiatives and policies, especially on urban development and the European Green Deal. Eurocities' activities include advocacy, insights, sharing of best practices, and training. The organization represents the voice of cities at the EU level, monitors and communicates EU developments and trends, facilitates knowledge exchange between cities, and develops capacity to face urban challenges. Membership is open to any European city with a population of 250,000 or more, with smaller cities and businesses able to become partners or associated business partners. The network's goal is to enhance the quality of life and wellbeing of all communities by fostering cooperation among local governments, inhabitants, experts, and between all levels of government. Eurocities hosts various events, including the annual Eurocities Conference, which brings together city leaders to share experiences and expectations for the future.