Ukraine refugee response in Europe: Many examples of cities working together to host refugees, to search for missing members of families etc. Once concrete example: In 2024: Fifty regions and cities in Europe host summer camps outside of Ukraine to find temporary refuge from the war in youth camps in the European Union. To date, more than 3,000 children benefited from this initiative in 2024.
Border Towns and Islands Network (BTIN): The BTIN is composed only of the local authorities of the cities located on the European borders, as full members. Its purpose is to promote cooperation and mutual support between border cities and islands to give voice to national, European and international decision-making institutions.
In 2016, under the Dutch Presidency of the Council of the EU, the ‘Urban Agenda for the EU’ was launched to give European cities a greater say in shaping EU legislation, funding, and instruments for knowledge exchange. The initiative brought together cities, Member States and EU policymakers around 12 priority areas key to cities’ future—each area covered by a dedicated Partnership.
The Migration Partnership Facility (MPF) is a European Union (EU)-funded initiative supporting the external dimension of EU migration policy. Launched in January 2016, the MPF supports dialogue and cooperation on migration and mobility between EU Member States and priority partner countries outside the EU.
The MPF, currently in its fourth phase, operates mainly through grants aligned with priorities outlined in its Calls for Proposals. MPF grants cover two main thematic areas:
Established under the Urban Agenda for the European Union (EU), the Urban Partnership for the Inclusion of Migrants and Refugees brings together EU Member States, EU institutions, local authorities and civil society to contribute to develop integration policies related to different areas including education, the labour market and housing.
Solidarity Cities is an initiative on the management of the refugee crisis proposed by the Mayor of Athens and launched in the framework of the EUROCITIES network. It aims to constitute the framework under which all cities actions and initiatives are presented highlighting the political leadership of cities in addressing this challenge.
The New Pact on Migration and Asylum is a set of regulations and policies to create a fairer, efficient, and more sustainable migration and asylum process for the European Union. The Pact, which was proposed in September 2020 and agreed between the European Parliament and the Council in December 2023, is designed to manage and normalise migration for the long term, providing certainty, clarity and decent conditions for people arriving in the EU. It also establishes a common approach to migration and asylum that is based on solidarity, responsibility, and respect for human rights.
An URBACT Network is a safe space for a group of cities facing similar challenges to share experiences and to develop long-term solutions. Cities develop their activities with local stakeholders – change makers from the public and private sectors, academia, NGOs and civil society – as part of their URBACT Local Group.
There are three types of Networks, which cities and other bodies – metropolitan areas, specialised agencies, districts and boroughs – can apply to join:
Following the Solidarity Declaration on 22 June 2022 by 18 Member States, the European Commission and the EU Agencies established the Voluntary Solidarity Mechanism (VSM) to provide a concrete response to the migration-related difficulties faced by Member States bordering the Mediterranean.
The Working Party on External Aspects of Asylum and Migration is responsible for discussing the EU’s approach to countries and regions of origin and transit of asylum-seekers and migrants, as well as third countries of reception of refugees, without geographical limitation.
The working party provides guidance on strengthening the external dimension of the EU's asylum and migration policy and improving cooperation with third countries in the field of migration.