Kraków joins Eurocities – a European network shaping the cities of the future
On 15 October, Kraków was officially welcomed as a member of Eurocities, the largest European network of cities working together to promote sustainable development, innovation, and a high quality of life for residents.
Kraków’s membership marks an important step in strengthening international cooperation among local governments and advancing the city’s development goals. By joining Eurocities, Kraków becomes part of a community of more than 200 European metropolises that support one another in creating modern, resilient, and people-friendly urban spaces.
In his application letter, Mayor Aleksander Miszalski highlighted Kraków’s unique ability to combine respect for its rich history with openness to the future. He emphasized that the capital of Małopolska is eager to share its experience in culture, education, innovation, and civic engagement, while learning from other cities to further enhance the quality of life of its residents.
Kraków plans to take an active role in Eurocities initiatives, especially in the fields of digitalisation and urban entrepreneurship development—key priorities in the city’s long-term strategy. This includes expanding digital services for residents, supporting innovative companies and start-ups, and fostering partnerships between local government, universities, and the business sector.
Joining Eurocities also fulfills one of Mayor Miszalski’s election commitments. The city’s inclusion in this international network reflects Krakow’s ambition to be not only a leader in innovation within Poland but also an active participant in Europe’s dialogue on the future of urban life.
Through Eurocities membership, Kraków will gain access to platforms for knowledge exchange, EU-funded joint projects, and opportunities to influence European urban policy. It will also strengthen its ties with other cities striving—like Krakow—to balance tradition, innovation, and sustainable growth.
Founded in 1986 by the mayors of Barcelona, Birmingham, Frankfurt, Lyon, Milan, and Rotterdam, Eurocities now brings together over 200 cities from 38 countries, representing more than 130 million residents. The organisation’s mission is to foster cooperation between cities across all areas related to urban management and sustainable development.
