Kraków among the signatories of Brussels Declaration

The Declaration was adopted during the high-level political event organised in Brussels on 24 January as part of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Kraków was involved in the consultation process leading to the final version of this document.

The aim of Brussels Declaration, signed by the Mayor of Kraków, is to draw attention to the increasing importance of European cities and metropolitan areas in the EU and the challenges  faced by ambitious urban policy. It also underlines how essential it is for the signatories of the Declaration to respect and promote the EU’s fundamental values, such as respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of minorities, in  implementing urban policies. 

The Document emphasizes the role of cities in fighting  the effects of climate change, combating social exclusion, promoting the right to affordable, qualitative housing and prioritizing safe and sustainable mobility. 

Brussels Declaration of European Mayors takes into consideration the issue that had been brought up by many cities, including Kraków, in the consultations and that is the significance of effective involvement of cities and metropolitan areas in the EU decision making process. Signatories of the document point out the need for greater participation of cities and local government in the process of the development of EU financial instruments.

The Declaration has been signed by the Mayors of major European cities, among others: Barcelona, Berlin, Budapest, Gothenburg, Helsinki, Lyon, Milan, Munich, Oslo, Rotterdam, Warsaw, Vienna as well as by the representatives of the Metropolitan Areas among others: Brussels, Bucharest, Copenhagen.

You can find the Brussels Declaration of European Mayors here