Ghent elected as new Vice President of Eurocities
As Vice President, the City wants to increase the visibility of Ghent in Europe and help shape European policies.
During the Brussels Urban Summit, Ghent was elected as new Vice President of Eurocities, Europe's largest cities network. Ghent succeeds Leipzig, who became the new President. The mandate runs for one year and can be extended once.
Through Eurocities, the most important network of cities in Europe, civil servants and politicians from all over Europe come together to share knowledge about urban challenges, to develop solutions and bring local concerns to the European Union's table. 210 cities are currently member of the network. On the 14th of June, Mayor Mathias De Clercq, who represents Ghent, was elected as new Vice President by the General Assembly.
Cities play an important role in Europe. As Vice President of Eurocities, we can maximise the power of cities like Ghent to influence European policies and tackle challenges in the areas of climate, housing, mobility, economy and inclusion.
During the General Assembly, Ghent was also elected as new Chair of the Eurocities Environment Forum. Deputy Mayor for Climate, Environment and Housing Tine Heyse will represent the City of Ghent as Environment Forum Chair.
Ghent has been a member of Eurocities since 1998 and has been a member of Executive Committee since 2009, in which the City is taking on an active role. As Vice President, the City wants to increase the visibility of Ghent in Europe and help shape European policies. In 2024, Ghent will also be European Youth Capital and the City has the ambition to become European Capital of Culture in 2030.