Dear mayors, local authorities, and participants,

It is an honor to be here today. This Forum is essential for our Unions future.

Cities play a vital role in political life, not just as beneficiaries of EU policies but as strategic actors that can turn shared goals into tangible changes for citizens.

As the Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms, I prioritize putting cities at the core of our work, recognizing that over 70% of Europeans live in urban areas, which present both challenges and growth opportunities.

President von der Leyens mission letter emphasizes promoting an effective cohesion policy that aligns with local needs and supports sustainable, thriving cities.

As I coordinate with Commissioners on vital urban issues, from sustainable mobility to food security, we aim to create a coherent vision that meets urban needs.

Engaging with urban authorities is crucial for success; I prioritize dialogue to understand their needs better.

Recent Eurobarometer findings indicate that 51% of Europeans see affordable housing as an urgent issue, underscoring the need for our Affordable Housing Plan.

Additionally, water resources are becoming increasingly important for urban resilience, as cities face challenges from extreme weather events.

We must invest in infrastructure and governance to ensure cities can thrive.

In conclusion, we need to work together to provide solutions, and I look forward to our discussions here at the Forum.