The Pact for the Urban Agenda was adopted by EU ministers in Amsterdam (The Netherlands) on 30 May. Titled the Pact of Amsterdam, the EU Urban Agenda was introduced to improve the effectiveness of EU and national policies through involving local and regional authorities in their design. The EU Urban Agenda will allow local and regional authorities to work with EU and national institutions to develop action plans in response to major urban challenges such as air quality, the inclusion of refugees and migrants, urban poverty, and housing. The pact will allow the different levels of government to launch joint initiatives and shape new legislation and improve existing EU rules.

"Having waited over a decade, the EU Urban Agenda is a milestone for Europe. By integrating important EU legislation whilst engaging every level of government, laws and policies can better meet the needs of our ever expanding cities. The Urban Agenda shows that the EU is committed to better – not more – regulation. But we are at the very beginning and its success depends on the continuous commitment from all decision makers including the EU institutions, Member States, cities and regions. I call on all pioneering cities to take now the lead," said Markku Markkula, President of the Committee of the Regions.

The Basque Declaration, acclaimed by around 900 participants of the 8th European Conference on Sustainable Cities & Towns, held in the Basque Country from 27-29 April 2016, supports the alignment of the EU Urban Agenda with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement. The Declaration provides pathways for European Cities and Towns to create productive, sustainable and resilient cities for a liveable and inclusive Europe.

For more information, visit cor.europa.eu.