The European Urban Forum held its inaugural Kick-Off Event at the European Parliament on 18 March 2025. Bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders to set the course for the new EU Agenda for Cities under the 2024-2029 legislature, the event focused on sustainability, decarbonisation, inclusion, and cohesion policies.
The event was opened by MEP Marcos Ros Sempere (S&D, Spain), who highlighted the critical role of cities in the EU’s climate and social policies and the willingness of the EP to provide a platform to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping Europe’s urban future.
Setting the Political Direction
His remarks were followed by a keynote speech from two European Commissioners. First, Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just, and Competitive Transition, outlined the European Commission’s vision for resilient cities. She insisted on the capacity of reaction of cities and the role of municipalities for the energy transition and announced a consultation on competition rules and affordable housing. Second, Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms, emphasized the importance of cohesion funding in supporting urban transformation to act now.
The political priorities of the new EU Agenda for Cities were then discussed by leading Members of the European Parliament, including MEP Fabienne Keller (Renew; France), who called for stronger partnerships between local authorities and EU institutions and a new financial structure that could help the direct access to funds to local municipalities, and MEP Nikolina Brnjac (EPP; Croatia), who addressed the role of a sustainable urban mobility and infrastructure for climate adaptation and resilience. Both are the leaders and initiators of the EUF, next to Mr Ros Sempere.
Additionally, MEP Irene Tinagli (S&D, Italy), Chair of the Special Committee to tackle the housing crisis in the EU, underlined the urgent need for creative solutions to reach affordable housing, and MEP Gordan Bosanac (Greens/EFA, Croatia) stressed the importance of green and just urban transitions going beyond the duality between cities and national governments.
Additionally for the Commission, the Head of the Task force for Housing Matthew Baldwin insisted on the European Parliament-European Commission consultation on affordable housing, inviting all stakeholders to contribute.
Decarbonisation and the Future of Urban Spaces
A second key discussion brought together leading voices from the construction, housing, and urban sectors, including our Secretary General Fernando Sigchos Jiménez. The interventions centred on challenges linked to decarbonisation and the transformation of urban environments towards sustainable and inclusive spaces. The panel also included André Sobczak, Secretary General of Eurocities, who highlighted the role of city networks in implementing local climate solutions; Sorcha Edwards, Secretary General of Housing Europe, who discussed the need for socially inclusive housing policies; Ruth Schagemann, President of the Architect’s Council of Europe, who emphasized the importance of designing energy-efficient buildings; and Cédric de Meeûs, President of Construction Products Europe, focused on the role of sustainable construction materials.
Mr Sigchos Jiménez presented the perspective of construction SMEs and craft trades, calling for better stable and predictable regulatory framework that allows small construction companies to perform construction and renovation works, access to financing, and invest in their own digital and green transition. He reminded the underlying challenge of attracting, retaining, upskilling and reskilling talent in the sector, to turn the political agenda for the decarbonisation of buildings and the construction sector into a reality.
Conclusions and Next Steps
In his closing remarks, Jan Olbrycht, former MEP and former Chair of the Urban Intergroup, reflected on past achievements and called for continued collaboration between EU institutions, cities, and industry stakeholders to implement the new EU Agenda for Cities effectively.
Looking Ahead
The European Urban Forum will continue to serve as a platform for dialogue and collaboration between policymakers and urban stakeholders. With the EU embarking on a new legislative term, the event set the tone for ambitious policies that prioritize sustainability, affordability, and inclusivity in Europe’s cities.
EBC is committed to bring the reality of construction SMEs and craft trades to this honorable platform and looks forward to the next.
For more information about the European Urban Forum, click here.
