Cities At Work: Mayors to Discuss Employment with EU Commissioners

Mayors from major European cities are meeting Commissioners Thyssen and Bieńkowska on 22 February to discuss employment.

The mayors will emphasise the vital role that cities play in addressing Europe's employment crisis, and how engaging cities in partnership can help shape more effective EU policies on employment and job creation. The meeting is part of the implementation of the EUROCITIES Declaration on Work, a commitment by the mayors of major European cities to work with the EU institutions in their efforts to create jobs and inclusive labour markets.

With jobs and growth at the top of the Juncker Commission's agenda, the mayors are keen to emphasise the contribution that cities can make to shaping more effective EU policies on job creation and employment. Local governments have the knowledge, experience, insight and expertise to help shape better European employment policies. The Commission is also expected to launch its Agenda on Skills this year, and we believe that cities' insight and knowledge can help close the skills gap in Europe. 

Mayors will also share their experiences of addressing pressing challenges such as youth and long term unemployment, and will stress their willingness to contribute to the design and implementation of future EU initiatives.  

We believe that Europe will be better equipped to address the employment crisis with cities on board. Europe's competitiveness depends on our urban economies being dynamic, innovative, inclusive and creating new jobs. 

See our video below to find out more about why cities are crucial partners for addressing Europe's employment challenges. You can also follow the discussion on Twitter via #citiesatwork.