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15 September 2025
Compact Cities

Compact Cities: why join the new Thematic Partnership?

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Compact Cities: why join the new Thematic Partnership?
Urban planning is no longer just a local concern; it has become a shared responsibility among local, regional, and national authorities. These actors are instrumental in implementing EU policies that shape how urban spaces develop. The new Thematic Partnership on "Compact Cities – Sustainable Urban Planning and Sprawl Mitigation" aims to promote dense, efficient, and sustainable urban development as a strategic response to the widespread challenge of urban sprawl across Europe.

But what exactly does this new Partnership focus on? What are the benefits of joining? If you're still uncertain, read on. This article explores the objectives, practical examples, and key advantages of participating in this important initiative.

Where can the Partnership make an impact? 

The new Thematic Partnership focuses on a major challenge in urban development: urban sprawl. 

urban sprawl

Sprawl is widely seen as unsustainable due to its fragmented, low-density, and car-dependent nature. The Partnership aims to support European cities in shifting towards more compact, efficient, and sustainable urban forms. 

But how can these goals be achieved? The Partnership will identify key needs and opportunities for action across several sub-themes under the three pillars of the Urban Agenda for the EU: Better Regulation, Better Funding, Better Knowledge. 

One potential area of focus is the national implementation of the Soil Monitoring Law and the Nature Restoration Law. These regulations will likely have significant effects on land-use planning and compact city strategies. The Partnership could support: 1) The development of comprehensive monitoring frameworks for soil degradation, soil sealing, and urban encroachment. 2) Understanding the impacts of these regulations on compact city objectives.

Under the Better Funding pillar, a key topic is ensuring that EU-level funding for affordable housing aligns with compact city principles. With the upcoming European Affordable Housing Plan (expected in 2026), the Partnership could: 1) Explore how affordable housing policies intersect with spatial development. 2) Provide recommendations for how future investments can support dense, inclusive, and sustainable urban growth.

A potential sub-theme under the Better Knowledge pillar is the mapping and analysis of urban density and sustainable growth regulations. Achieving compact and sustainable urban development starts with a clear understanding of the existing regulatory frameworks that shape land use. Thematic Partnerships can play a key role by supporting efforts to: 1) Map and analyse critical regulations such as urban growth boundaries, minimum density requirements near public transport hubs, density targets, etc. 2) Identify best practices and pinpoint regulatory gaps that may hinder efficient and sustainable land use.

For further examples and inspiration, we recommend exploring Section 4.1.3 “Suggested Sub-Topics for Better Knowledge” of the Ex-Ante Assessment. 

Why get involved?

Becoming a member of the Compact Cities – Sustainable Urban Planning and Sprawl Mitigation Partnership offers more than just a seat at the table — it’s a chance to actively shape the future of urban development in Europe.

First and foremost, members could influence EU policy from the ground up. By contributing local and regional insights, they help ensure that European policies are rooted in real, on-the-ground challenges and opportunities. This is a unique chance to make your city’s voice heard in shaping sustainable urban planning across the EU.

In addition, participation in the Partnership can serve as a launchpad for accessing funding opportunities. With growing EU investment in areas like housing, mobility, and climate adaptation, members are well positioned to engage early with upcoming funding programmes and to align local strategies with European priorities.

Crucially, the Partnership supports improved governance, both across different levels of government and among diverse stakeholders. This multi-level, multi-stakeholder collaboration fosters more integrated and coherent urban planning, breaking down silos and encouraging long-term strategic thinking.

Equally valuable is the opportunity for networking and collaboration. Members gain access to a vibrant community of peers from across Europe — cities, regions, national authorities, experts, and private sector organisations — who are facing similar challenges and working toward shared goals. This network becomes a space for learning, exchanging ideas, and even developing joint solutions.

The Partnership also helps translate European reflections into local action. Through shared frameworks and best practices, members can adapt broader European strategies to their own urban realities, making EU-level ambitions practical and impactful at the local level.

Not sure yet? Hear what cities and organisations from earlier Urban Agenda for the EU partnerships have to say about their journey and the tangible benefits they gained: 

View the videos

Ready to make an impact? 

Apply now via the official web form and become part of the Compact Cities Partnership. Visit the Partnership’s webpage  for all application details and supporting documents. 

Did you miss the applicant seminar?

Watch the seminar recording
 

Download the updated FAQ