'Cities are where things actually get done': European mayors meet in Brussels to discuss future

Mayors from Stockholm, Barcelona, Nantes, Glasgow and Warsaw have met in Brussels to discuss joint projects and cooperation ahead of this May's European elections.

The Eurocities summit marked the launch of the group's "city leaders agenda for Europe" - a political manifesto the organisation has put together with the aim of encouraging European and national leaders to work with mayors in a more meaningful way.

Anna König Jerlmyr, the president of Eurocities and mayor of Stockholm, said the organisation stands up for European cooperation. "European integration has brought our continent over 70 years of peace and unrivaled prosperity," she said, "and that’s why we are so deeply concerned about the return of isolation in policy across Europe."

Jerlmyr said Eurocities, and mayors in general, were the bridge between European Union decision makers and Europe’s people. The group wants to actively involve citizens in policymaking along with promoting partnerships with universities, society and the private sector.

Climate

The main focus was on climate change. Jerlmyr’s city, Stockholm, has an impressive goal in place for climate action and is hoping the city will be the inspiration for others around the continent to do better locally than what is being worked on nationally. She called for European and national leaders to commit to carbon neutrality.

“Cities are the place where things actually get done, where new ideas are being tested,” Rafal Trzaskowski, mayor of Warsaw, said. His main priority was to keep the focus on citizens and quality of life. 

More efficient public services, care-taking for those who need special care, improving air quality and transportation were all on his list of necessary things to improve for citizens. 

Ada Colau, the mayor of Barcelona, discussed the housing crisis currently faced by her city. She warned that the European model of the city is being threatened by gentrification and real estate speculation. “This is not only a social issue,” she said. “It’s a main economic issue. It’s about the middle class, it’s about young people, it’s about life in our cities.”

Colau suggested building up the European tax against real estate speculation, that the European Commission develop a common taxation framework for real estate taxation trusts and stop speculative practices. 

The mayor of Nantes, Johanna Rolland, discussed engagement with citizens. Eurocities "Cities for Europe" campaign has had more than 60 mayors commit to furthering citizen engagement. 

Despite Glasgow’s uncertain future due to Brexit, Susan Aitken, the city's mayor, stated her commitment to a continued relationship with European cities. “We believe that cities must be at the heart of discussion at every level,” Aitken said. “Cities are where the people are. Cities are the drivers of economic growth.”