Cities Forum 2025 - Eurobarometer survey on cities

The presentation, delivered during the final day of the 2025 Cities Forum, offered an in-depth look at the newly released Eurobarometer survey on urban life across the EU. Kadri Uustal, Head of Unit at DG REGIO, highlighted that 75% of the EU population lives in urban areas and that issues such as affordable housing, access to healthcare, and public transport remain top concerns, though their urgency varies by region and urban size. The data emphasized the need for tailored local policies, underscoring the differences in priorities between large cities, smaller towns, and rural areas. Notably, the survey also showed a strong appetite for civic engagement across all communities, challenging assumptions about urban disconnection.

Affordable housing is consistently identified as the most urgent challenge in most Member States, especially in larger cities, while rural areas prioritize access to public services and healthcare. Citizens across all territories express a desire not just to be informed, but to actively participate in shaping their communities. Public support for small and medium-sized enterprises, improvements in public transport, and investments in energy-efficient buildings emerged as key policy directions. Lastly, the results of the survey revealed that awareness of EU support remains limited, pointing to a need for better communication about available resources to help cities become more liveable and inclusive.