How ready are European cities to face the future ? History reminds us that all conquerors changed the origins of the sites they appropriated. In a democracy, fortunately, decisions are taken by those who are called to administer in the interest of the citizens. Even the elected change the face of the city, therefore, but in a very different way from the dominus. The mayor's function in countries like Italy is so complex due to the large amount of proxies that have been transferred from the center to the periphery. The urban policies– construction, environment, mobility, innovation – are affected in an extraordinary way. Cities are "in a unique position to face crises and lead innovation for a greener and more inclusive future": this is the message launched in these hours in view of the Brussels Urban Summits. Things ? It is the convention of mayors from all over Europe. It will take place from 12 15 to June in the Belgian capital. It is organized by Eurocities, Brussels Capital, Metropolis and the OECD Champion Mayors for Inclusive Growth Initiative. 2 people will arrive in Brussels and one of the tasks envisaged for the mayors is the signing of a commitment for the culture of sustainability. A global challenge on which the strength and ability of local administrators will be measured.
Italy protagonist with the mayor of Florence
The Mayor of Florence, Dario Nardella he is in his second term as president of eurocities the organization that brings together 140 municipalities. During the summit, Nardella will leave office. What experience was it? “It was a precious and exciting experience - Nardella tells FIRSTonline - which I carried forward with passion, alongside my role as mayor of Florence. An assignment that made me discover a new face of Europe: that of its local communities.” It is true that they have not been quiet years. “They have been intense, critical but also unforgettable years. The pandemic first, the war in Ukraine later, they put strained Europe and the economy, welfare and security of cities. Local administrators have faced unprecedented situations and although the institutions closest to citizens have been kept on the sidelines by the States in the drafting of national recovery and resilience plans". But if governments don't they talk enough with the mayors the hopes of seeing things change fade. “We fought for this - continues the mayor - and to make the voice of cities in Europe heard. on theUkraine Eurocities, a few days after the outbreak of war, organized the great demonstration in the square in the heart of Florence, in Santa Croce.” Of course, the Florentines, and not only them, remember it as a success. ” The demonstration connected a hundred European cities and saw the participation of President Zelenski. The cities have spoken with one voice and have asked for peace.
Peace and sustainability are two themes that are linked
Unfortunately, the war is not over and it is still today a central point in the geopolitical scenario in which cities can play a role. In addition to solidarity and material goods from cities across Europe, communities can help reconstruction. After the war Florence had as mayor George La Pira, figure symbol for dialogue and peace. “I also had the opportunity to meet the Ukrainian president in person -continues Nardella- in August of that year: a mission organized by Eurocities which took our delegation to Kiev to talk about reconstruction, once the weapons were laid down. ” After the demonstration in Florence Eurocities, together with the European Parliament, promoted the Generators of hope operation. Hundreds of power generators have been sent to Ukraine to remedy the energy blackouts caused by the bombings. What can we anticipate now about the next summit in Brussels? “My second term as president of Eurocities ends in a few days. Now a new phase is opening for the association, with a new president to whom I wish all the best. He will be the representative of over 140 medium and large European cities and beyond 130 million inhabitants from 39 different countries. The voice of local communities must continue to be heard." When hostilities end, Ukrainian cities will have to be reborn with higher and more qualitative criteria public and private investments compared to what Putin's troops razed to the ground. The EU has foreseen financial and industrial partnerships with an estimated cost of approx 400 billion euros. The document on sustainability that will be signed at the Brussels summit will have to be linked to the principles of the ecological and energy transition. The statistics about pollution that cause thousands of premature deaths are still full of medium and large cities. On 2 June, the European Commission awarded the Catalan city of Terrassa as the capital of inclusion and diversity 2023. A city with more than 50.000 inhabitants for its "strong intersectional strategy and transversal on inclusion and diversity”. Two themes connected to a good urban quality.
