Cities at the core: 10 years of the Urban Agenda for the EU and the way ahead

Join us on 17–18 November 2026 in Rotterdam and Amsterdam for a two day celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Urban Agenda for the EU.

Marking one decade since the agreement of the Pact of Amsterdam and the launch of the Urban Agenda for the EU, this conference will bring together city representatives, EU policymakers, academia and urban practitioners to reflect on a decade of multi-level governance and collaboration across Europe. While the conference will celebrate the past, it will also explore the future of the Urban Agenda and its place in European urban policy to meet urban challenges. 

Ten years and 21 Thematic Partnerships later the Urban Agenda has strengthened cooperation between cities, regions, Member States, academia, the European Commission and other European institutions and stakeholders. Together, they addressed key urban challenges and developed concrete outputs to improve regulation, access to funding and knowledge sharing for European cities. 

What can you expect?

The anniversary conference will take place across two cities, reflecting the collaborative and interconnected spirit of the Urban Agenda for the EU.

Day 1, on 17 November 2026, will be hosted in Rotterdam and will feature plenary sessions and parallel thematic sessions, with a special emphasis on the role of cities in driving innovation and competitiveness. The programme will conclude with site visits showcasing good practices and urban development initiatives across the city. At the end of the day, a bus transfer will be organised to bring participants to the evening reception in Amsterdam.

Day 2, on 18 November 2026, will take place in Amsterdam and will continue with plenary and parallel sessions focused on celebrating ten years of the Urban Agenda for the EU and exploring the future of this unique initiative within the broader context of EU policy and cooperation. The conference will conclude with a cultural programme and a final reception, offering participants a last opportunity for networking before departure. Throughout the event in Amsterdam, participants will also be able to explore a special exhibition highlighting ten years of the Urban Agenda for the EU.
 

Why should you attend?

• Celebrate ten years of results and impact of the Urban Agenda for the EU.
• Showcase the contributions of the 21 Thematic Partnerships.
• Set the stage for the future by exploring upcoming priorities and policy developments, including synergies with the EU Agenda for Cities.
• Highlight the essential role of cities at the core of European policymaking and future policy development. 
   

Join us as we celebrate a decade of achievements and look ahead to the future!