The Urban Agenda for the EU is an integrated and coordinated approach to dealing with the urban dimension of the EU, whereas the EU is one of the most urbanized areas in the world. Today, more than 70% of Europe’s citizens live in urban areas. The UN projects that by 2050 this percentage will reach 80%. The development of urban areas will have a major impact on the future sustainable development (economic, environmental and social) of the European Union and its citizens.

At present, 73% of all jobs and 80% of people aged 25-64 with tertiary education are based in European cities, towns and suburbs. Urban areas are, however, also places where challenges such as segregation, unemployment, and poverty are concentrated. Considering the above, urban areas play a key role in pursuing the EU 2020 objectives and in solving many of its most pressing challenges. The economic, environmental and social development of urban areas will have a significant impact on the future development of the European Union and its citizens. A more than 20-year discussion process on the need to make sense and tick for an Urban Agenda has come to a preliminary conclusion with the Pact of Amsterdam. Cities are the place where European sectoral legislation comes together and is implemented. The economic, environmental, and social development of urban areas will have a significant impact on the future development of the European Union and its citizens.