Cities constitute the level of government closest to the people, and it is the area from which we work every day to achieve a stronger and more democratic EU, facing the threats posed by populism and discrimination.
Cities also have an essential role in building a fair, green and prosperous future for Europeans.
We are leading the ambitious climate neutrality targets of the European Green Deal, working with industry and civil society to put the EU on track for a future where global temperature rise remains within the d'1.5 target. °C. As city leaders, we work to reduce CO2 emissions, support local production of renewable energy and at the same time address the problems posed by energy poverty, the increase in the cost of living and economic inequalities and the protection of the most vulnerable.
Furthermore, thanks to the joint work we do through city networks, we have developed innovative responses to issues that were previously considered the exclusive responsibility of national states.
Now, with our sights set on the European elections, it is essential that Brussels fully recognizes the relevance of cities within the EU.
Despite the many positive actions we have taken, the role of cities within the EU is often not given due importance. European institutions and national and regional governments continue to see cities as only a means to implement the decisions they make on their own, often without providing us with the resources or financing necessary to do so.
As Europe prepares to jointly decide its future, it is essential that mayors occupy a well-defined space within the framework of political decision-making to have a say in the development of future EU policies that will shape the lives of millions. of citizens.
That's why the mayors of 23 major cities across Europe met in Barcelona in November to sign the European Cities Declaration for Policy-Making and Democracy in Europe.
The Declaration points out the need to increase the participation of local authorities in EU decision-making processes. We encourage the EU and national governments to use the knowledge, experience and drive of cities to defend common values and tackle our common challenges together.
We put forward ways to further develop collaboration between cities and the EU, such as improving cities' access to EU funds, reforming the Committee of the Regions of Europe and involving cities in EU presidencies in all political areas that have an impact on urban areas.
We also want to make it clear that the rapid development and increasing importance of cities means that we have to play a fundamental role in the development of EU urban policies. Until now, the EU Cohesion Policy has played a key role in promoting sustainable urban development, with funding of around €15 billion that has benefited cities. Initiatives such as the EU's 100 Smart and Climate Neutral Cities Mission and the European Urban Initiative have also highlighted the EU's commitment to collaborative action.
But, despite these actions, more than 50% of mayors who responded to a recent survey by the main network of large European cities, Eurocities, pointed out that EU institutions and policies do not take into account the specific needs and the potential of cities.
We want to offer a strategic alliance. We need mayors to systematically participate in EU debates and we need to ensure the financial capacity, local self-government and decentralization of cities are protected. There is an urgent need to establish a new dialogue and a clear long-term vision for cities at EU level. As cities, it is obvious to us that we have a fundamental role in shaping a green and fair Europe.
We urge the Belgian EU Presidency to support the objective of the European Cities Declaration and to ensure that the EU institutions and member states will listen to what cities have to say. We are ready to work with all our partners at all levels of government to create a stronger and better Europe for everyone.
