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METREX Network of European Metropolitan Regions and Areas

METREX

METREX has currently 59 member organisations from all over Europe.

Lobbying Activity

Response to Policy agenda for cities

23 May 2025

The Metropolitan Dimension: A Pillar for the Future of Urban Europe As representatives of Europes metropolitan regions and areas, we welcome the European Commissions initiative to develop a new, ambitious Agenda for Cities. This marks an important milestone in recognising that the future of Europe is metropolitan. Over 60% of Europeans live in metropolitan areas, where the interplay of urban, suburban and rural, economic and social, digital and physical dimensions is most intense. The Metropolitan Dimension: Strategic Foundations for the Future of Urban Europe METREX the Network of European Metropolitan Regions and Areas welcomes the European Commissions initiative to new the Agenda for Cities. This is a timely opportunity to reinforce multilevel governance and strengthen the operational role of metropolitan regions and areas in EU policymaking and delivery. Metropolitan regions and areas are home to over 60% of Europes population. They are integrated territories that include urban cores, peri-urban zones, and surrounding municipalities. At this level, the interconnection of economic, social, environmental, and digital transitions is most visibleand actionable. Recognising metropolitan governance as a strategic layer is essential for shaping effective responses to todays challenges, from competitiveness and climate resilience to housing and mobility. We call for the new Agenda to build on the Manifesto for Metropolitan Partnerships (METREX, November 2023) and translate it into action. This means embedding metropolitan partnerships within EU policy delivery frameworks and strengthening their role as platforms for coordination and implementation. Key Priorities from Metropolitan Europe 1. Recognise Metropolitan Regions as Strategic Actors Metropolitan areas are engines of innovation, industrial transition, and resilience. The Agenda should: Involve metropolitan authorities in policy design and high-level forums; Promote governance models that support cooperation across administrative borders; Recognise them as delivery partners in key EU initiatives (GreenDeal, TEN-T, REPowerEU and Competitiveness Compass). 2. Enable Multilevel Governance Metropolitan challenges cannot be tackled in isolation. The Agenda should: Encourage Member States to formally recognise metropolitan governance; Support metropolitan cooperation via Cohesion Policy (ITI, CLLD or other territorial instruments) and Horizon Europe; Reinforce subsidiarity, partnership, and flexibility in EU funding instruments. 3. Develop EU Policies, Funds, and Data with the Metropolitan Scale Integrate the Agenda into the next MFF; Earmark funding for metropolitan partnerships within appropriate EU Programs such as cohesion policy, Horizon Europe, Digital Europe, TEN-T, future competitiveness fund; Develop within the Technical Support Instrument (TSI) a dedicated strand for metropolitan partnership; Invest in metropolitan foresight and data systems, building on METREX and Eurocities tools. 4. Translate Strategic Themes into Territorial Action Organise the Agenda around thematic umbrellas (competitiveness, housing, AI, preparedness, dual-use infrastructure, inclusive growth); Assign metropolitan coordinators where appropriate. 5. Engage Metropolitan Stakeholders in the Process Include metropolitan authorities and networks like METREX in consultations as permanent, obligatory co-creators of the Agenda, and its further instruments of its implementation; Recognise Spatial planning as a key tool to align policies across sector and across administrative borders. Leverage metropolitan networks to host dialogue and co-create solutions. Conclusion The new Agenda for Cities must reflect the governance scale where most EU policies meet peoples lives. Metropolitan regions and areas are ready to act as strategic partnerstechnically, politically, and financially. METREX and its members stand ready to collaborate across this and future programming
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Meeting with Marcos Ros Sempere (Member of the European Parliament)

25 Oct 2024 · Conference - Unlocking the metropolitan potential: the benefits of territorial partnerships

Meeting with Daniel Attard (Member of the European Parliament) and TÜV-Verband e. V. and COMMUNIA Association for the Public Domain

27 Sept 2024 · Introductory Meeting

Meeting with Jorge Pinto Antunes (Cabinet of Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski)

19 Sept 2023 · to discuss common areas of interest

Meeting with Wioletta Dunin-Majewska (Cabinet of Commissioner Elisa Ferreira)

13 Jun 2023 · Discussion on metropolitan areas and their capacity to deliver projects and lead green transition. Presentation of main points of the upcoming Metropolitan Manifesto.