Shaping the Future: The EU’s New Agenda for Cities and Municipalities
The European Union’s Agenda for Cities clearly sets out the new direction of EU policy on urban development. At a time when more than 75% of European citizens live in cities, the EU recognises that local authorities are at the forefront of today’s major challenges: climate change, the energy transition, social cohesion, digital transformation and infrastructure resilience. This new framework is not a theoretical policy document, but a practical tool that will directly shape the way municipalities plan, finance and implement projects over the coming decade.
The outlined vision is clear: smart, sustainable and resilient European cities, supported by digital infrastructures that enable evidence-based decision-making, energy-efficient buildings and public spaces, sustainable mobility systems, and policies that strengthen social cohesion and quality of life. The green and digital transitions are treated as interconnected processes that must be implemented in a balanced and socially fair way, ensuring that no territories or population groups are left behind. At the same time, particular emphasis is placed on strengthening urban resilience to natural and economic risks, through improved planning, prevention and the use of data.
A key shift introduced by the Agenda concerns the role of cities in shaping European policies. Municipalities are no longer seen merely as end recipients of funding, but as active partners involved in the design, evaluation and improvement of policies. This entails greater responsibility, as well as higher demands in terms of technical capacity, strategic planning and evidence-based governance. The European Commission acknowledges that many municipalities—especially small and medium-sized ones—face difficulties in meeting these requirements. For this reason, it promotes simplification measures, technical assistance mechanisms and improved access to data and tools.
Within this context, European initiatives supporting pilot and innovative projects are being strengthened, while a more comprehensive support system for cities is being prepared for the next programming period. Access to funding will increasingly be linked to the existence of mature urban development strategies, with clear objectives, measurable outcomes and alignment with EU priorities. For Greek municipalities and regions, this means that early preparation, digital modernisation and the adoption of integrated solutions are no longer optional, but essential prerequisites for participation in future funding instruments.
The EU Agenda for Cities sends a clear message: cities that are able to translate the European vision into concrete, realistic and implementable projects will gain a competitive advantage.
The transition towards smart, sustainable and resilient cities starts with sound planning and the effective use of technology and data. In this environment, local authorities need reliable plans that can bridge strategy and implementation and support the transformation of cities in a meaningful and measurable way.
Explore all parameters of the Agenda in detail here