Title
Session description
The Closing session of the Cities Forum gathered all stakeholders present, to summarise the main takeaways of the event, and consolidate inputs, priorities and expectations discussed during the three days. It was held in the form of a high-level panel discussion around the main subjects and takeaways brought up during the Forum’s debates and key messages on EU Agenda for cities. It ended with a closing message from the European Commission Directorate-General for Regional and Urban policy (DG REGIO).
Key insights
Speakers explained their organisations’ roles in Cohesion policy and delivered some key messages on the future of EU Cohesion policy and the upcoming EU Agenda for Cities.
The President of the European Committee of the Regions, Kata Tüttö, emphasized the need for a stronger Cohesion policy, better regulation and simplification for improving beneficiaries' experience.
The Director of European Affairs, Région Hauts-de-France (FR), Anne Wetzel, mentioned the importance of the partnership principle and co-creation and highlighted that the Cities Forum is a perfect example of cooperation between the European Commission, regions and cities.
The Urban Envoy from the Netherlands (Ministry of Interior and Kingdom Relations & Ministry of Housing and Spatial Planning), Karen Van Dantzig, emphasized the need to build a stronger, more resilient Europe addressing administrative capacity. She also pointed out the issues of housing as one of the biggest priorities, together with funding and better regulation that should be tackled in the EU agenda for cities.
Finally, DG REGIO Deputy Director General, Hugo Sobral, gave his closing remarks and thanked participants, speakers, moderators, co-organisers and City of Krakow for the organisation and participation during the Forum.
Key take aways
Kata Tüttö highlighted that many things already work, and what works should be kept and built upon. The mindset needed to move forward could be inspired by the myth of Krakow: the dragon wasn’t defeated with a sword but with creativity.
For Anne Wetzel, multilevel governance is key to an effective Cohesion policy. Cohesion policy is still needed and the shared management, partnership approach and further support to regions should be kept.
Karen Van Dantzig said that there is a need to provide clarifications on the scope of the Agenda for cities, and how it can complement the existing Urban Agenda for the EU, explaining that the confusion between the two agenda comes from similar titles and similar scopes. She also suggested to establish a clear role for Member States in developing the Agenda for cities.
Hugo Sobral concluded with a reference to the Opening speech on cities working to build the future: the best way to predict the future is to create it. He explained the agenda should be developed according to a 4S model: simplify regulation; streamline funding; structured dialogue; strengthening capacities. The European Commission believes in investing, learning and standing with cities. Finally, the Agenda for cities needs to be embraced at every level of governance and by everyone.
Conclusion
Discussions on the EU Agenda for Cities will continue to take place in various fora, notably in the intergovernmental cooperation context. The Commission is working on analysis of all the feedback received from the call for evidence and from the Cities forum contributions.
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