Europe is coming together. Already 27 countries are part of the European Union, with a total of around 500 million citizens - most of them living in large cities and urban areas. More countries will be joining the EU in the coming years, and cooperation with neighbouring states is being strengthened.

Europe is changing people's lives. Each year, more of us are travelling across borders to study, to work, to do business, to make friends, or just to visit. The impact of Europe can also be seen at the local level in cities and neighbourhoods - for example with regard to urban regeneration, pollution and waste, workers' rights and business opportunities.

Europe is facing a whole series of big challenges that require a determined and effective response from public authorities. These include: ensuring the economic prosperity and sustainable development of our cities and regions, creating new opportunities for employment, strengthening social cohesion, and protecting our environment for future generations. These challenges can only be properly addressed if the different levels of public administration - cities and regions, national governments, and European institutions - are all working together.

EUROCITIES gives cities a voice in Europe, by engaging in dialogue with the European institutions on all aspects of EU legislation, policies and programmes that have an impact on cities and their citizens. The network is active across a wide range of policy areas including: economic development and cohesion policy, provision of public services, environment, transport and mobility, employment and social affairs, culture, education, information and knowledge society, governance and international cooperation.

For more information, visit EUROCITIES at: http://www.eurocities.eu