The Eurocities Annual Conference 2026, held in Utrecht, Netherlands, commemorates the 40th anniversary of Eurocities, a network founded in 1986 that unites over 200 major European cities. This gathering assembles mayors, city leaders, representatives from European institutions, and academics to assess four decades of urban collaboration while outlining a collective path forward amid geopolitical tensions, climate emergencies, and digital transformations.
The event's purpose centers on reinforcing cities' positions as drivers of democracy, peace, and innovation. It targets urban policymakers, local government officials, EU stakeholders, and researchers seeking practical insights into city-led solutions. Key topics unfold across plenary and parallel sessions: plenary discussions review the evolution of cities' roles in European governance since the 1980s, including lessons from the Pact of Amsterdam and shifts in national-local dynamics, while projecting cities' leadership in defending peace, advancing climate and digital responses, and prioritizing citizens. Parallel tracks tackle cities' efforts against poverty—linking local innovations to the EU's upcoming Anti-Poverty Strategy—sustaining green policies amid policy shifts, and navigating the 2026 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) negotiations to fund green, digital, and social objectives.
The conference culminates in the Eurocities Mayors’ Summit, emphasizing city diplomacy, the rule of law, and democratic resilience. Expected outcomes include a reaffirmed commitment to city empowerment, strengthened cross-city and EU partnerships, and actionable strategies for inclusive, sustainable urban futures, positioning cities as central to Europe's stability.