Estonian Presidency brings a focus on inclusive and sustainable Europe

Estonia took over the Presidency of the Council of the EU from Malta on 1 July 2017.

OECD and European Commission Boosting Social Enterprises Development

Eurobarometer shows optimism in the EU is on the rise

The latest Eurobarometer published on 2 August shows that Europeans are more positive about the future of the EU and their trust in the EU is on the rise.

GDC cities in URBACT catalogue of good practices

Among all 97 good practices published by URBACT on sustainable urban development, three GDC signatory cities stand out for their investment in digital to impulse participatory change in disadvantaged neighbourhoods.

Silver Economy Award for ICT-related product and service innovations

The Silver Economy Awards is a new initiative to reward ICT-based innovative solutions that improve the lives of European seniors and support the growth of the European Silver Economy.

URBACT’s Good Practices unveiled: 'Inspiring solutions for better cities'

Looking for ideas on how to improve a city’s air quality, support local jobs, or involve citizens in accommodating refugees? Scores of tried-and-tested city solutions have been published online by URBACT, the EU learning and exchange programme for integrated, sustainable urban development.

Thessaloniki receives support from Amsterdam and Zurich on informal education for refugees

From 9-12 July, Thessaloniki hosted a delegation from Amsterdam and Zurich, as part of a mentoring visit organised by EUROCITIES and Migration Work.

Registration NOW open for our Autumn Social Affairs Forum

EUROCITIES will hold its next Social Affairs Forum on 25-26 October in Gothenburg to discuss the role of cities in promoting a more social Europe and in delivering on a European Pillar of Social Rights. Our working groups on employment, homelessness and urban ageing will be meeting shortly before the Social Affairs Forum, on 23-24 October in Gothenburg

Ensuring investments in social housing for all

In response to a parliamentary question from MEP Agnes Jongerius (S&D, NL) regarding the revision of state aid rules for services of general economic interest (‘SGEI’), Commissioner Margrethe Vestager affirmed that state aid can only be granted if social housing responds to "a public need: the provision of accommodation to disadvantaged citizens or socially less advantaged groups who due to solvency constraints are unable to obtain housing at market conditions".

EUROCITIES highlights local challenges of delivering on social housing at Fondazione Cariplo event

On 27 June 2017, EUROCITIES participated in the event ‘Towards a sustainable and affordable Housing market in Europe: what to learn from the Italian model?’ at the European Parliament in Brussels.