Brussels, Belgium – In a historic gathering, representatives from forty European Union cities convened in the Belgian capital on Wednesday to sign the groundbreaking Brussels Declaration, outlining a visionary urban policy for the continent.
The document, signed by 41 mayors from 19 European countries, addresses critical issues such as affordable housing, combatting social and gender inequality, biodiversity restoration, and the development of safe, sustainable mobility.
Brussels, long regarded as a frontrunner in European urban innovation, has advocated for a comprehensive EU urban policy.
The Brussels Declaration reflects the political priorities of cities across the continent, laying the groundwork for future initiatives.
The declaration, signed as part of the Belgian Presidency of the European Union, underscores the importance of cities and metropolises in the construction of Europe.
Rudi Vervoort, Minister-President of the Brussels-Capital Region, emphasized, “This presidency is an opportunity for us to recall the importance of cities and metropolises in the construction of Europe.”
The stakes are high, with nearly three-quarters of Europeans residing in urban areas. The Brussels Declaration aims to better integrate the urban dimension into European policy, recognizing cities as central players in addressing future challenges.
Ans Persoons, Brussels State Secretary for Town Planning, highlighted the significance of the declaration, stating, “This declaration puts the future of cities at the centre of the debate and ensures the voice of cities is heard.”
The document succinctly outlines the main challenges faced by cities and proposes the necessary tools for effective responses.
Six recommendations were presented to European institutions for the EU’s 2024-2029 mandate.
Notably, the declaration calls for the appointment of a European Commissioner for Urban Policy, signalling a commitment to prioritizing urban issues at the highest level of EU governance.
In the next six months, Brussels is poised to become the spokesperson for cities, defending their interests and priorities to European institutions.
Central to this advocacy effort is the focus on affordable, quality, and sustainable housing.
Persons expressed confidence that a strengthened dialogue and partnership between the EU and its cities will facilitate collective efforts to address economic, social, and territorial cohesion, climate challenges, innovation, and housing.
The Brussels Declaration marks a significant step forward in shaping the future of European cities, emphasizing the need for a holistic and coordinated approach to urban development.
As the continent continues to urbanize, the document sets the stage for transformative policies that prioritize the well-being of urban populations and address the evolving needs of these dynamic and diverse cityscapes.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
