Eurocities is a Brussels-based network founded in 1986 by the mayors of six major European cities: Barcelona, Birmingham, Frankfurt, Lyon, Milan, and Rotterdam. The organisation has grown to include more than 200 cities from 38 countries, collectively representing over 130 million residents. Membership is open to large cities with at least 250,000 inhabitants, as well as smaller partner cities and certain metropolitan regions.
Eurocities operates as a forum for elected mayors and expert municipal staff to exchange knowledge and coordinate action on issues relevant to urban policy. Its mission is to amplify the voice of cities at European Union institutions and ensure urban priorities are reflected in European policy and funding. The secretariat, with a permanent staff of around 50, is located in Brussels.
Key activities include advocacy, monitoring EU development and funding opportunities, sharing best practices among cities, and organising training and peer-to-peer learning. Thematic focus areas span sustainable mobility, social inclusion, environmental transition, digital innovation, culture, and knowledge society. The network’s structure comprises an executive committee of 12 elected cities, six forums, and numerous working groups.
Recent examples of Eurocities’ initiatives include promoting climate neutrality by supporting collaborative projects between EU and Ukrainian cities, facilitating knowledge exchange on zero-emission public transport, and raising awareness among EU decision-makers about urban challenges stemming from the COVID-19 crisis. Eurocities also manages EU-funded projects such as the Covenant of Mayors and Culture for Cities and Regions. Activities are financed by member fees and EU subsidies.