The Basque Declaration outlines new pathways for European Cities and Towns to create productive, sustainable and resilient cities for a liveable and inclusive Europe. The document aims to support and accelerate socio-cultural, socio-economic and technological transformation. The Basque Declaration was acclaimed by the participants of the 8th European Conference on Sustainable Cities & Towns, held in the Basque Country from 27-29 April 2016, and it is an important step following the Aalborg Charter (1994) and the Aalborg Commitments (2004).
The Basque Declaration highlights the need for ambitious local leaders to think outside the box and find innovative ways to engage with civil society in order to meet economic, environmental and social challenges, and at the same time marks the importance of finding sustainable solutions that increase economic value for the benefit of the local population.
The Declaration acknowledges the need for transformation in order to decarbonise energy systems, create sustainable urban mobility patterns, protect and enhance biodiversity and ecosystem services, reduce the use of greenfield land and natural space, protect water resources and air quality, adapt to climate change, improve public space, provide adequate housing, guarantee social inclusion, and strengthen local economies.
The Basque Declaration aims to inspire cities and towns to develop and create their own local transformative actions.