European Commission partners with governments to boost sustainable development

Article summary

The European Commission has signed five partnership agreements with the global associations of local authorities: the Association Internationale des Maires Francophones, the Commonwealth Local Governments Forum, Platforma/Conseil Européen des Municipalités et Régions, the United Cities and Local Governments, and the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa. The agreements aim to support local authorities in formulating policies to promote local, regional and global level sustainable development. These agreements are backed by €50m from the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument-Global Europe. The five partnerships remain in force until 31 April 2026, recognising the contribution of local and regional governments in developing and implementing policies that help to achieve Sustainable Development Goals. The Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, has also stated that the EU will support local authorities with at least €500m by 2027, in addition to the financial support provided under the five agreements.