Tallinn joined other EU capital cities in calling for a stronger role for cities in shaping European Union policies and funding priorities as preparations begin for the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034).

At the annual meeting between EU capital city mayors and the European Commission held in Nicosia on 17 February, the Mayor of Tallinn, Peeter Raudsepp, joined fellow mayors in signing the Nicosia Declaration. The joint statement calls for cities to be recognised as strategic partners in EU policymaking and to be more directly involved in the design and implementation of funding instruments that address urban challenges.

In particular, cities raised concerns that current proposals for the EU’s post-2027 financial and governance framework may reduce the direct involvement of local authorities in planning and allocating cohesion policy funding. The declaration calls for strengthened multilevel governance and a mandatory urban dimension in national investment plans so that cities’ needs are better reflected in future EU programmes.

Tallinn emphasised the importance of ensuring that cities are meaningfully involved in national and EU-level decision-making processes that shape cohesion policy and investment planning. In this context, Mayor Raudsepp highlighted the increasing responsibilities of cities in ensuring crisis preparedness and civil protection, particularly in EU capital cities located along the Union’s eastern border.

Tallinn’s participation in European policy dialogues helps ensure that the interests of cities are taken into account when shaping EU policies and funding mechanisms that directly affect urban development, housing and crisis preparedness at local level.

Source: tallinn.ee