Roundtable: European integration and the city

Cities stand at the heart of Europe today, embodying its vibrant diversity and serving as engines of social and economic progress. With 75% of Europeans calling cities their home, these urban centers are not only the lifeblood of our society but also at the forefront of the continent’s most pressing challenges. From grappling with the effects of climate change to addressing deep-rooted social and economic inequalities, cities are both contributors to and victims of these critical issues.

As Europe embarks on the path toward a sustainable and just transition, the role of cities is more vital than ever. The partnership between urban centers and European institutions holds the key to unlocking innovative solutions and transformative policies.

This roundtable brings together policymakers from European and local levels, as well as representatives of civil society, to explore how the relationship between Europe and its cities is evolving. Together, we will examine the challenges posed by this transformative era and uncover the opportunities that collaboration can create to build a more equitable and sustainable future.

Join us for this compelling conversation and be part of the dialogue shaping Europe’s urban and societal transformation.

Chair: Dr. Anne-Laure Beaussier (Sciences Po, CSO)

• Lamia El Aaraje (Deputy Mayor of Paris in charge of urban planning, architecture, Greater Paris, universal accessibility and people with disabilities) 
• Matthew Baldwin (Deputy Director-General of D.G. for Energy at the European Commission) 
• André Sobczak (Secretary General of Eurocities) 
• Carlo Maria Colombo (Sciences Po, CEE)