This edition’s main focus was on consultation and dialogue, with the objective of collecting ideas for the development of the EU Agenda for cities, by the European Commission. The Forum was also the perfect opportunity to release the results of the latest Eurobarometer survey on cities, confirming the importance and need of urban investments on housing, mobility, climate and public services. See more on Eurobarometer results.
Key figures and first impressions from the event are available in our earlier article: Cities Forum 2025 – early insights and highlights from Kraków.
From dialogue to policy: urban practitioners contributing to the EU agenda for cities
One of the Forum’s key moments was the Stakeholder dialogue and consultation on an EU agenda for cities, which gathered EU, national, and regional representatives, mayors, and networks representing youth, housing and mobility. The session invited all participants to share ideas on what to keep, change or introduce into EU support for urban areas. The European Commission Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms, Raffaele Fitto, opened the session with a strong call to listen to and involve cities more directly in shaping future EU action.
The speakers Mathias De Clercq (Mayor of Ghent), Karen Vancluysen (POLIS), Sorcha Edwards (Housing Europe), and Sina Riz à Porta (European Youth Forum) shared critical reflections on aligning EU priorities with local realities, simplifying funding access, encouraging stronger multilevel cooperation, and amplifying youth and citizen voices.
In its closing message, the Executive Vice-President of the European Commission recalled the key principles of Cohesion policy including multi-level governance and shared management, which must be defended, together with tailor-made approaches to the needs of cities. He highlighted the fundamental nature of the suggestions received through from this Forum for the work of the European Commission and the need to continue collaboration will all stakeholders.
All Cities Forum sessions were designed to gather concrete inputs from the audience, directly feeding into the EU agenda for cities. In addition to the sessions, contributions were collected via a large expression wall at the event venue and an online version. In total, over 250 contributions were gathered to help shape the future agenda for cities.
Funding, multi-level governance: key pillars for implementing sustainable urban development
The Forum also offered concrete insights into what cities need to make the transition effective particularly the session “Funding sustainable urban development”, which explored how cities can mobilise investment notably via blended finance, technical assistance and local innovation. Contributions from the European Commission-DG REGIO, the European Investment Bank and municipal actors pointed to existing barriers — such as administrative capacity, permitting procedures and financing gaps — while showcasing successful approaches from cities like Prato and Leuven, and from Bulgaria.
The session on the Urban Agenda for the EU reinforced the value of multilevel governance and city collaboration. Thematic Partnerships — on areas such as greening, sustainable tourism, food systems, inclusion and public procurement —, supported by the European Commission and EUI Secretariat, work on the design and implementation of practical solutions that should also inform future EU policies and the EU agenda for cities
Delivering on Europe’s urban priorities
Sessions throughout the Forum reflected the EU Cohesion policy key objectives and European cities priorities: productive, smart and connected, green, just and inclusive cities.
On affordable housing, the session “How is the EU supporting affordable and social housing for a fairer future?” reaffirmed that access to housing is a cornerstone of inclusive and sustainable cities. Speakers highlighted how housing pressures are affecting not only vulnerable groups but also essential workers such as teachers and care staff. Participants stressed the need for stronger EU support — financial, regulatory and technical — to help cities address homelessness, housing exclusion and affordability. Cohesion policy EIB instruments, and local innovation were identified as key tools, and cities were recognised as central players in shaping the upcoming EU Affordable Housing Plan. A dedicated session took place as part of the online programme to also promote the Financial Instrument model for housing currently included in the Cohesion policy Mid term Review package, and explain how the EU is facilitating access to affordable and social housing through innovative solutions.
This discussion was closely linked to the session “Inclusive Urban Futures”, which underlined that inclusion must be at the heart of urban development strategies. Participants called for funding frameworks that support equity alongside digital and climate priorities. Examples from Turin, Rotterdam, Bratislava and Rome showed how cities are embedding social inclusion through affordable housing, youth empowerment and wellbeing initiatives — with a clear call for stronger multilevel governance and direct access to EU support.
The session on digital transition explored how technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, and digital twins are reshaping city services — while also raising the need for local capacities, governance standards and human-centred deployment.
On climate, the session “Mobilising systemic transformation for climate-neutral and climate-resilient cities” showcased how cities such as Valencia, Warsaw, Bologna and Kildare County are implementing nature-based solutions and citizen engagement strategies, supported by EU missions.
Urban mobility was another major focus. Cities including Kraków and Reggio Emilia presented multimodal approaches that link transport, housing and public space. Public acceptance, age-friendly design and cooperation across city boundaries were identified as crucial to accelerating transition. An EU City Lab, jointly organised by EUI and URBACT, will explore in greater depth these issues of urban transport, inclusive mobility, and accessibility. The event will take place on 28–29 October, in Hamburg. More info
Cities for innovative, sustainable and integrated approaches
Throughout the Forum, cities benefiting from EUI support showcased how innovation and peer learning help translate EU goals into local action. In the Capacity-Building and Innovation Transfer sessions, participants explored how tested solutions — from biodiversity parks to tourism strategies and digital tools — are being replicated and adapted across Europe.
The session on functional urban areas (FUAs) demonstrated how collaboration beyond city boundaries can improve competitiveness, streamline services and attract investment. Cases from Coimbra, Jiu Valley and Umeå–Vaasa emphasised the need for strategic planning in the long term, asset management and partners collaboration.
The City Talks sessions offered concise snapshots of hands-on urban practices supported by Cohesion policy funding. Among the 12 participating cities, several showcased initiatives financed through diverse EU instruments — including Celje (Slovenia) and Leipzig (Germany), both supported under the Article 7 of the ERDF (programming period 2014-2020). These practices, along with many bold solutions presented by EUI beneficiaries, are now available on the Portico Urban Practice Database. Together, they provide a rich source of inspiration and practical learning for urban stakeholders across the EU.
The event also welcomed participants beyond EU borders, from Ukraine, Moldova, Montenegro and Albania notably, and shared practices and opportunities developed through the Urbact programme and International Urban and Regional cooperation programme.
Materials from the 20+ sessions, including reports, related photos, presentations and on-demand access to the recorded sessions, are now available on Portico.
The full photo album of the event can be found on Flickr.
Urban practitioners can continue networking, access resources, and connect with peers from across Europe on the EU’s one-stop shop: Portico. As the event platform is now deactivated, you can reconnect with the participants you met during the event via the Portico community.
What’s next for cities?
- By 31 Aug: The International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) programme is calling for EU cities and regions interested in working with peers from North America. Take this chance to exchange knowledge and co-develop solutions — apply now.
- 3 Sept: Register for the online information seminar on the Call for partners for the Thematic Partnership on Compact Cities: cities interested in shaping the future of urban development are invited to join to prepare for the call launching on 27 Aug — register here.
- 30 Sept- 2 Oct 2025: Don’t miss the upcoming Focused Policy Lab on Practical funding tools for urban change, designed to help cities navigate funding and practical tools for urban transformation. register now — places are limited.
- On 28–29 October, the EU City Lab on Active Mobility, co-organised by EUI and URBACT, will explore accessible, people-centred transport and mobility systems. Join us in Hamburg.
Special thanks
Special thanks to the City of Kraków and the team at ICE Kraków for providing a welcoming and dynamic venue. A warm thank you to the media covering the event, to the 100+ speakers, 16 moderators, 15 exhibitors, and our great network of Urban Contact Points.
