The mayors of Helsinki, Espoo, and Vantaa met with Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto in January to discuss the future of EU Cohesion Policy, the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034, and the upcoming Ambitious Policy Agenda for Cities.
The meeting emphasized the crucial role of cities in implementing EU priorities and the need for direct access to funding and involving cities in policymaking and planning. Currently, 8% of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) go to Sustainable Urban Development and provides essential support for local growth and ecosystems.
The mayors emphasized the need for metropolitan cities to receive direct funding to address social cohesion and prevent segregation at the district level. While Helsinki, Espoo, and Vantaa fall under the 'more developed' region category in cohesion terms, certain areas within these cities require targeted support.
“Segregation and social cohesion are not only problems of less developed regions but a reality within cities already today. Direct EU funding would allow cities to act faster and more effectively to prevent social segregation and improve social cohesion, contributing to more lively, safe and livable cities across Europe.” – Juhana Vartiainen, Mayor of Helsinki
With discussions on shifting toward policy-based budgeting under the new MFF, the mayors stressed that direct city involvement is critical. Based on their experience with the temporary Recovery and Resilience Facility that was set up in as an emergency instrument in 2021, the mayors underlined the importance of including cities actively in designing and implementing the new EU funding instruments for 2028–2034.
“EU law is ultimately implemented in cities where 75 percent of European citizens live and work. Involving cities directly in planning and decision-making will ensure EU funds will produce results where it matters – in people´s everyday lives.” – Kai Mykkänen, Mayor of Espoo
The mayors welcomed EVP Fitto’s commitment to an Ambitious Policy Agenda for Cities, which will focus on key urban challenges such as housing, climate action, digitalization, mobility, social inclusion, and equality. Mayors underlined that the agenda should go beyond operational framework and put forward a political vision for sustainable urban development.
“Europe thrives on strong urban centers. An ambitious European urban policy agenda should translate EU priorities into concrete funding commitments helping cities and Europe at large to reach its sustainability and competitiveness goals.” – Pekka Timonen, Mayor of Vantaa
EVP Fitto listened carefully to the cities’ concerns, acknowledging their role in implementing EU policies while emphasizing that decision-making processes for many programs were set years ago. He underlined the importance of beginning with specific priorities in his new mandate and stressed the need to finalize the MFF in time for its implementation in 2028.
Executive Vice-President Fitto is responsible for cohesion policy, regional development and cities and for leading the work to implement the NextGenerationEU recovery plan and the Recovery and Resilience Facility.
