Financial and economic crises, population flows, environment and climate phenomena, natural and anthropogenic disasters, social conflicts, and terrorism are just a few of the challenges that cities may experience. Resilient cities are cities that can absorb, recover and prepare for future shocks (economic, environmental, social and institutional). Resilient cities promote sustainable development, well-being, and inclusive growth.

European policies for regional development support improving the capacity of regions and cities to mitigate the impact of adverse events and to accelerate recovery. The European Climate-ADAPT platform – built in partnership between the European Commission and the European Environment Agency – provides tools and guidance for developing climate change adaptation strategies and plans in cities.

At Institut Vert, we believe that European cities and local governments can take the lead in climate action and develop ambitious action plans for a sustainable future. Cities should be fully equipped to enact policy change, as they are usually faster to act than their national governments, and less constrained by pressures from the fossil fuel industry. In the fight against COVID-19 too, cities are on the frontline. Their populations, their revenues, their local economies are severely impacted, and many of the negative outcomes are only yet to come. Therefore, we call on EU funds to be allocated towards increasing the resilience of European cities.