Ir para conteúdo principal ou rodapé
Informação Informação
Município

Mayors call for new EU governance model to strengthen local power

Lisbon has joined more than 80 European cities, regions and networks in calling for a new era of European Union governance that recognizes local and regional governments as essential partners in shaping the future of Europe. The joint letter, promoted by the cities of Malmö and Freiburg under the leadership of ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability, was signed by Carlos Moedas, Mayor of Lisbon.

Lisbon has joined more than 80 European cities, regions and networks in calling for a new era of European Union governance

The initiative highlights the central role of local and regional authorities in implementing almost 70% of the European Green Deal legislation and around 60% of climate-related public spending, stressing that they "can no longer be marginalized in EU policy processes".

The signatories call for a transition from mere consultation to genuine collaboration at European level, using the preparations for the next multi-annual budget as a critical opportunity to invest in regional development, innovation and social cohesion.

The letter urges the European Commission, Council and Parliament to establish structured and permanent dialogues with local and regional governments, from agenda-setting to policy implementation, including financing. The local leaders stress that "without their inclusion from the outset, many policies run the risk of failing in their practical implementation".

Among the signatories are mayors from cities such as Barcelona, Vienna, Rotterdam, Tallinn, Strasbourg, Braga, Cascais, Guimarães, Loulé, Matosinhos and Valongo, representing more than 47 million citizens and around 1.8 million civil servants.

The letter argues that multi-level governance is essential to speed up the implementation of projects, improve the quality of investment and strengthen citizens' trust in the European institutions. The signatories reiterate their willingness to share experiences and take joint responsibility for decisions, arguing that "no level of governance can succeed in isolation" and that it is necessary to "unleash the potential of Europe's cities and regions".