Bilbao, Hamburg, and London shine at Eurocities Awards for sustainable urban development

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Brussels hosted the Eurocities summit from 12 to 15 June, bringing together representatives from European cities to discuss the challenges they face.

Lord Mayor of Leipzig Burkhard Jung was elected new Eurocities president and will head the organisation in the coming two years, succeeding Mayor of Florence Dario Nordella. Mayor of Ghent Mathias De Clercq will serve as vice president.

Jung announced plans to strengthen ties with the EU, stressing “the future of Europe and its prosperity depends on the involvement of local governments and local communities.”

“Cities have been hit particularly hard by global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s war in Ukraine,” he warned and added “people are dealing with energy poverty and rising inflation.”

Jung pointed out that, as head of Eurocities, he wants to implement EU Green Deal initiatives and increase youth involvement in politics, among other.

Eurocities launched a new initiative for the development of sustainable and inclusive local cultural policies, with 24 cities signing the document at the summit and more cities pledging to follow suit.

Signatories pledge to implement environmental and cultural policies to encourage circular economy, commission green artistic projects and support sustainable exhibitions and museums.

Eurocities presented awards for sustainability, youth and social projects implemented in 2022, with Bilbao, Hamburg and London winning the top prizes.

Bilbao won the award for its project aimed at encouraging participation of migrants in urban development, Hamburg for an innovative development strategy aimed at transitioning away from fossil fuels, and London for increasing youth participation in management of public space.

“Against the background of the climate and energy crisis, war in Europe, and an uncertain future for our youth, Hamburg, Bilbao and London spearheaded positive change, paving the way for others to follow in their footsteps,” Jung concluded.