ICLEI Europe has long been a strong proponent of sustainable, resilient, and fair food systems, as demonstrated by the launch of the ICLEI Global CityFood Programme in 2013. Recent events – from the COVID-19 pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine to the 2023 farmers’ protests, rising trade tariffs, and Europe’s military buildup – have reignited concerns about food security. These concerns are increasingly being used to justify and oppose sustainability policies in the food sector. This position articulates ICLEI Europe's perspectives on urban food security and resilience. It argues that food insecurity is not a supply issue, but rather a political one, rooted in the unequal distribution and affordability of food. It asserts that the future of EU competitiveness depends on developing sustainable and resilient food systems.
Taking a comprehensive food systems approach, the position paper identifies four key pathways to strengthen urban food security and resilience:
a) relocalising food systems;
b) promoting fair and sustainable production methods;
c) investing in healthy food environments and food education;
d) advancing food democracy and multilevel governance.