No European security without cities

The Resolution adopted by the European Forum for Urban Security argues that effective European security must be built on the active participation of cities and local authorities.  Te resolztion positions cities not merely as beneficiaries of security policy but as essential partners in shaping, implementing and financing a resilient, citizen‑centred European security architecture.Its core messages are:

1. Security as a common good and democratic pillar – Safety is essential for democracy and must be treated as a shared public good.

2. Co‑production of security – Policies and measures should be designed jointly by local elected officials, citizens, civil‑society groups, police, researchers and industry.

3. Prevention‑oriented approach – Emphasises preventive, evidence‑based actions rather than reactive policing, leveraging local knowledge and best‑practice exchange.

4. Multi‑stakeholder governance – Calls for formal mechanisms that link municipal, regional, national and EU levels so that local experiences and needs inform higher‑level strategies.

5. Cities as drivers of innovation – Highlights the role of cities in smart‑city initiatives, new technologies and pilot projects that improve public‑space safety.

6. Exchange and peer learning – Encourages a network‑wide platform for cities to share successful practices, tools and funding opportunities, reinforcing the principle “cities helping cities”.

7. Funding and project development – Urges the EU to allocate resources that enable cities to develop joint security projects, research collaborations and trans‑national initiatives.

Read more and download the resolution