POLIS Capitals' Working Group releases policy brief on World Cities Day
As Urban October draws to a close, the observance of World Cities Day on 31 October circles back to the importance of putting people first. In this context, the POLIS Capitals Working Group is releasing a new policy brief on how capital cities are finding innovative solutions to address the challenges of urbanisation.
The United Nations' World Cities Day concludes the month of Urban October by raising awareness on urbanisation trends, challenges, and visions for sustainable urban development. This year's theme, people-centred smart cities, illustrates how data-driven decision-making, technology, and AI can benefit urban life and support the recovery process from current shocks and crises, if they first prioritise people's needs, inclusivity, and accessibility.
To mark the occasion, the POLIS Capitals Working Group is publishing a new policy brief showcasing how capitals, which are often the most populous cities and regions, are primary agents in shaping the European mobility agenda and must be recognised as such. Bringing together 18 of the 27 EU capitals, the Capitals Working Group provides a unique platform for collaboration and dialogue among these urban leaders. Through this publication, POLIS aims to amplify the voice of capitals, highlight their specific challenges, and underline their vital contribution to achieving EU sustainability and mobility goals.
'The role of local and regional governments is essential in ensuring an inclusive, open, sustainable, and fair digital future for all globally' - UN-Habitat
Tackling major challenges
The policy brief highlights the main obstacles faced by European capitals in meeting expectations regarding their roles in international connectivity, transport user services and information, and improving air quality and sustainability. These expectations are high, given the size of capitals’ populations, economic power, and historical heritage—factors that create both infrastructure legacies and opportunities for stakeholder cooperation and innovation. However, these ambitions also require dedicated funding, clear guidelines, and strong support at the European level.
Focusing on the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) and the role of most capitals as urban nodes, the brief discusses capacity bottlenecks and their consequences for both everyday commuters and long-distance transport operators. It also explores support options through dedicated communication channels across governance levels and recognises the importance of public-private partnerships (PPPs) and data-driven decision-making.
The second part of the document examines communication systems as a key component of the transition to smarter transport networks. These systems involve multiple service providers and cater to international travellers as well. The resulting needs for regulatory sandboxes, multimodal cooperation, and data sharing are highlighted, presenting new opportunities for capitals to support innovative developments in European urban mobility models.
Finally, the brief underlines the impact of air pollution on citizens’ health, which is particularly severe in densely populated capitals. Alternative transport modes, therefore, hold great potential to reduce private car use. Expanding alternative fuel networks, bike-sharing schemes, and public transport improvements are among the promising solutions cities can implement to improve air quality in urban areas.
'Capitals are indeed instrumental to advancing and reaching EU ambitions, and they are asking the EU to help them do just that' - POLIS Capitals Working Group
Towards more human-centred cities
Looking ahead, this policy brief is intended as a flagship document, recognising both the responsibilities of local and regional authorities towards their citizens and economic stakeholders, and the unique opportunities that capital cities offer in terms of multi-sector collaboration and the visibility they attract. The POLIS Capitals Working Group regularly collects feedback from its members and brings forward key messages on priority EU policy files. It aims to release an annual position document each World Cities Day, contributing to global efforts to build equitable, prosperous, sustainable, and inclusive cities that offer better living environments and quality of life.
The POLIS Capitals Working Group will meet again in early 2026 to discuss key issues for the next brief, preparing for the official gathering of its political representatives in Zagreb in May 2026, as part of the POLIS Leadership Summit.
Read the full policy brief here.
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