Cities are the level of government closest to 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 play an essential role in building a fair, green and prosperous future for Europeans.
We are leading the ambitious climate neutrality goals of the European Green Deal by working with industry and civil society to move the EU towards a future where rising global temperatures are kept within target of 1.5°C.
As city leaders, we work to reduce CO2 emissions, support local renewable energy production and at the same time tackle the problems posed by energy poverty, the rising cost of living and economic inequalities and the protection of the most vulnerable.
In addition, thanks to the joint work we do through networks of cities, we have developed innovative responses to issues that were previously considered the exclusive purview of nation states.
Now, with an eye 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 the importance it deserves. European institutions and national and regional governments continue to see cities as just a means to implement the decisions they make on their own, often without providing us with the necessary resources or funding to do so.
Now that Europe is preparing to jointly decide its future, it is essential that mayors occupy a well-defined space within the political decision-making framework to be able to have an opinion on the development of future EU policies that will shape the lives of millions of citizens
That's why the mayors of 23 big cities across Europe met in Barcelona in November to sign the Declaration of European Cities for Policy Making and Democracy in Europe.
The Declaration points to the need to increase the participation of local authorities in EU decision-making processes. We encourage the EU and national governments to make use of the knowledge, experience and drive of cities to defend common values and face our common challenges together.
We set out ways to further develop collaboration between cities and the EU, such as improving cities' access to EU funds, reforming the European Committee of the Regions and involving cities in the 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 growing importance of cities means that we must assume a fundamental role in the development of EU urban policies. Until now, the EU's Cohesion Policy has played a key role in promoting sustainable urban development, with funding of around 15,000 million euros 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 potential of cities.
We want to offer a strategic alliance. We need mayors to systematically participate in EU debates and we must ensure that 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 Presidency of the EU to support the aim of the European Cities Declaration and to ensure that EU institutions and Member States 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.
