Declaration of European Mayors signed by Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council

On behalf of the Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council, our Regional Mayor Tuija Telén has signed a declaration given by European Regions and Cities to strengthen urban policy. The declaration presents concrete recommendations for the development of an impactful and ambitious EU urban policy.
The declaration was signed by several city leaders on 24 January 2024 at an event launching the Belgian Presidency in Brussels. The cities of Helsinki and Espoo are among the first to sign the declaration. Other city leaders have been encouraged to sign the Brussels Declaration, as well.
Acknowledging the increasing importance of cities is one of the core messages Helsinki-Uusimaa wishes to send to the EU.
– Messages from European cities and regions are utterly important before the European Parliament Elections this Spring. In Helsinki-Uusimaa, we are honoured to be a part of a cooperative network like this, Ms Telén says.
Demanding significant impact on EU decision-making
The Declaration on Urban Policy includes a summary of the most important themes that cities want to bring up during the upcoming term 2024–2029. They also offer their own goals and recommendations for solutions.
“Signing the declaration is a clear signal of a strong wish to be a driving force in the EU urban policy”.
The declaration emphasizes a stronger role for cities and regions in the EU decision-making. Together with others, the cities from Finland and Helsinki-Uusimaa wish to express their clear and strong ambition to be a driving force in the EU urban policy, as well.
The declaration is a shared plan of all the cities involved. The advancing of it will be examined and followed-up during the entire Belgian Presidency. It was on the agenda at the 10th Summit of European Cities and Regions held in Mons, Belgium on 18 to 10 March 2024. Our Regional Mayor Telén was one of its participants.
For more information, please contact:

Tuija Telén
Regional Mayor
tuija.telen@uudenmaanliitto.fi
In charge of Council activities, finances and administration, preparation of items to be processed by Regional Board
Appointment bookings: Assistant Hanne Koljonen, phone: +358 40 552 3152
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