Our cities, our future: Progressive mayors meet alongside the Brussels Urban Summit

BUS
13 June 2023
Our cities, our future: Progressive mayors meet alongside the Brussels Urban Summit

Under the theme “Our cities, our future – repairing the urban fabric”, the Party of European Socialists (PES) Group in the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) and the Party of European Socialists (PES) meet on 14 June in the Townhall of the City of Brussels with high-level progressive mayors and regional leaders from all over Europe.  

Key speakers include Karin Wanngård, Mayor of Stockholm, Mohamed Ridouani, Mayor of Leuven, Kata Tüttő, Deputy Mayor of Budapest, and Arianna Censi, Deputy Mayor responsible for Mobility in Milan.

Beyond PES Group members in the CoR, other key attendees include: Stefan Löfven, President of the Party of European Socialists, Caroline Gennez, Belgian Minister of Development Cooperation and of Major Cities, Nathalie Appéré, Mayor of Rennes, Muhittin Böcek, Mayor of Antalya, Dagur Eggertsson, Mayor of Reykjavik, Burkhard Jung, Mayor of Leipzig, Peter Kurz, Mayor of Mannheim, Matteo Lepore, Mayor of Bologna, Rinaldo Melucci, Mayor of Taranto, Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, Johanna Rolland, Mayor of Nantes, Tunç Soyer, Mayor of İzmir, Erion Veliaj, Mayor of Tirana, Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, and Marina Hanke, Member of Vienna City Council.

Media are invited to register to attend the event in person.

Christophe Rouillon, President of the PES Group in the European Committee of the Regions, said: “Cities all over Europe are facing the same major challenges, such as pollution, congestion, and social exclusion. As progressive mayors, we have developed tools to make our cities more inclusive, resilient and ecological. By transforming public spaces, promoting green mobility and sustainable and affordable housing, bringing forward climate adaptation, connecting cities with surrounding peri-urban and rural areas we can improve the daily life of our citizens and pave the way for a better future for all.”

Stefan Löfven, President of the Party of European Socialists, emphasised: “To deliver a good quality of life for European citizens, we must listen to and involve all European citizens. This is why local and regional politics is so important. I am proud that local and regional PES politicians are gathering in the heart of Europe for this event. Socialists are delivering a cohesive society, better housings, a just green transition and high-quality public services. We stand together for a progressive future for our cities.”

Pascal Smet, Secretary of State of the Brussels-Capital Region, responsible for Urbanism and Heritage, European and International Relations added: “Exchange and cooperation with other cities is crucial. Cities will not be able to tackle challenges such as climate change, migration, urban growth and inequality alone, but together with other cities we are incredibly strong. Because cities are and will remain the engine of the world we live in. And the changes we initiate in our cities will change the entire world. It is only right that the Brussels Urban Summit takes place in the Belgian capital, a hyper international, diverse, metropolis and progressive urban laboratory for innovation.”


***
Notes to the editor:

  • The conference is organised at the invitation of PES Group members Rudi Vervoort, Minister-President of the Brussels-Capital Region, and Pascal Smet, Secretary of State of the Brussels-Capital Region, responsible for Urbanism and Heritage, European and International Relations, in the framework of the Brussels Urban Summit, and will be co-hosted by Brussels mayor Philippe Close.
  • It takes place on 14 June from 14:00 to 16:00 at the Townhall of the City of Brussels (Gothic Hall). It is preceded by a progressive mayors gathering as of 12:30 (Salle des mariages). The event will be followed by a study visit from 16:00-17:30 showcasing how urban space in the Brussels city centre is transformed. 
  • The detailed programme of the #OurCitiesOurFuture event is available on the PES Group website.
  • The full programme of the Brussels Urban Summit is available on the #BUS2023 website

 

© Photo credits: unsplash / Tobias Cornille
 

Top