Vice President Šefčovič and Commissioner Crețu at the 3rd Cities Forum in Rotterdam

During this major two-day event (27-28 November) dedicated to urban policy and hosted by the Commission, Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič, in charge of the Energy Union, and Regional policy Commissioner Corina Crețu will meet ministers and mayors from many EU countries in order to feel the pulse of Europe’s cities. Exchanges will focus on the progress achieved under the Urban Agenda for the EU in light of the recent Commission report, on how to best support cities in planning their own investment strategies and on the future Cohesion policy after 2020, especially as regards the access and management of EU funds by cities. Participants will also discuss the concrete role of cities in the implementation the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. “Cities and local governments are essential to turn our pledges under the Paris agreement into concrete action. They are vulnerable to impacts of climate change, but they are also hubs for innovation and will benefit from the transition – through new jobs, improved air quality, less traffic congestion, and improved attractiveness of cities and regions for people and investors alike,” said Vice President Šefčovič. “Cities should be smart, cities should be clean, safe, but they should also be inclusive,” added Commissioner Crețu, “Strengthening the integration of our most vulnerable communities in cities, including migrants, is high on our agenda. This is a challenge the future Cohesion Policy will have to continue addressing.” One of the highlights of the Forum will be the launch of a new advisory service designed to help cities maximise the investment potential at their disposal. More information on the programme of the forum, including speakers and workshops, is available here.