Calling for a spatially-conscious EU Agenda for Cities
The Institute for Urban Excellence (iUE), together with planning professionals and organisations from its network, has published a position paper calling for a spatially-conscious and mission-oriented EU Agenda for Cities.
Urban planners are on the front lines of implementing EU policy: from the Green Deal and Cohesion Policy to climate neutrality and housing, but are still not systematically involved in shaping EU urban policy. Despite their vital role in turning EU ambitions into local, place-based action, planning professionals remain largely excluded from decision-making at the European level.
iUE’s position paper, submitted as part of the European Commission’s public consultation, outlines how the future EU Agenda for Cities can better reflect the territorial realities of Europe’s cities and towns. What we’re calling for:
– Formal recognition of urban and spatial planning in EU policy frameworks
– A mission-oriented approach to territorial development within Cohesion Policy
– Better coordination across EU initiatives affecting urban areas
– Capacity-building for planners, especially in smaller cities
– A stronger role for planners in the EU Urban Agenda governance model
– Integration of territorial intelligence into EU legislative processes
“We need an EU urban policy that moves from fragmented funding to strategic, place-based interventions supported by planners who understand the spatial implications of EU objectives.”
Read our contribution and access the full position paper here.