Council approves conclusions on the EU agenda for cities highlighting their key role for economic, social and territorial cohesion 10:30 Ministers responsible for cohesion[...]

Ministers responsible for cohesion policies approved today conclusions on the EU agenda for cities. This is a follow-up to the Commission communication titled 'An EU agenda for cities: driving growth and prosperity', which was presented on 3 December 2025.

The text of the conclusions highlights the importance of cities along with their functional urban areas for economic, social and territorial cohesion, as well as their role in advancing social inclusion and innovation. It also recognises cities and urban areas as key contributors to decarbonisation, climate adaptation, protection of the environment and biodiversity, and clean energy transition, including through the introduction of emission mitigation measures. Moreover, cities of all sizes play a central role in improving urban mobility by fostering sustainable, accessible, clean and efficient multi-modal transport systems.

Emphasising the importance of support for cities in light of their growing challenges, the conclusions also highlight that cohesion policy contributed to strengthening the urban dimension of the EU, with over €24 billion from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) dedicated to sustainable urban development in 2021-2027. The text also highlights the opportunities offered to cities by the mid-term review of cohesion policy, including flexibilities to address social, affordable and sustainable housing, energy transition, water resilience, competitiveness, defence and skills development.

Noting that the Recovery and Resilience Fund (RRF) supports cities' recovery and resilience, particularly in the green and digital transition but also for the provision of public services and social and affordable housing, the text recognises the European Investment Bank's role in providing financing and advisory services for sustainable urban transport, social, affordable and sustainable housing, decarbonisation, energy efficiency, the circular economy and development of green infrastructure, including through blending EU, national and private funding.

Finally, reaffirming that cities are indispensable partners in EU policymaking and should be involved as appropriate in dialogue, consultation, and implementation processes with the European institutions, the Council recalls the importance of ensuring long-term support for integrated urban development, building on the achievements of the current period, as described in the EU agenda for cities.

• Draft Council conclusions on the EU agenda for cities, 13 February 2026
• An EU agenda for cities: driving growth and prosperity, Commission communication, 3 December 2025