Eurocities
 | |
| Formation | 1986 |
|---|---|
| Type | Network of cities |
| Location | |
Region served | Europe |
Membership | 140 member cities |
Official language | English |
Secretary General | Anna Lisa Boni |
| Website |
www |
EUROCITIES is the network of major European cities, founded in 1986 by the mayors of Barcelona, Birmingham, Frankfurt, Lyon, Milan, and Rotterdam. The 1989 Barcelona conference agreed that a key task was to put the issue of cities and their economic, political and social development onto the European agenda. Indeed, the founders suggested that major European cities could benefit from forming such an association. They intended to form a political platform to act as a channel for communicating with the European institutions and to become recognised as a significant partner in the European community and each member state.
Today, EUROCITIES brings together the local governments of over 130 of Europe’s major cities from 35 different countries,[1] representing the interests and needs of 130 million citizens.
The EUROCITIES secretariat is based in Brussels, Belgium. The Brussels office carries out policy, projects, human resources, finance, administration and communications work. EUROCITIES provides a platform for its members to share knowledge and ideas, exchange experiences, analyse common problems and develop innovative solutions, through a wide range of forums, working groups, projects, activities and events. EUROCITIES is committed to working towards a common vision of a sustainable future in which all citizens can enjoy a good quality of life.
Activities
EUROCITIES structures its work around five focus areas that to a large extent align with the EU’s strategic priorities:[2]
- Cities as drivers of quality jobs and sustainable growth
- Inclusive, diverse and creative cities
- Green, free-flowing and healthy cities
- Smarter cities
- Urban innovation and governance in cities
These areas of work are described in greater detail in the EUROCITIES Strategic Framework 2014-2020: Towards an EU urban agenda for cities.[3]
Membership criteria
Membership of Eurocities is open to any European city with a population of 250,000 or more. Cities within the European Union become full members, and other European cities become associate members. Local authorities of smaller cities, and organisations not eligible to become full or associate members, can become associated partners. Companies and businesses are allowed to become associated business partners.[4]