The project set out to help European cities put social policy into practice locally, with particular attention to people most exposed to the socio-economic effects of the pandemic. Its stated ambition was to support a fairer recovery and improve conditions for more than 36 million Europeans. The work was funded through the EU’s Employment and Social Innovation programme, with Eurocities ASBL as coordinator. 9
The project centred on the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR). Its programme combined capacity-building, mutual learning and data gathering, aiming to strengthen cities’ ability to shape local policy and contribute evidence to national and EU policymaking. The grant description also identifies social innovation and the exchange of practical approaches as priorities, including responses to child poverty, homelessness, barriers facing Roma and migrant children, employment access for vulnerable groups and active ageing. 9
A political campaign, “Inclusive Cities for All,” encouraged mayors and deputy mayors to make public commitments to implement EPSR principles through local measures. In 2023, ten cities joined the campaign for the first time by making pledges. 8 A 2024 project report describes the campaign as a way to build political support for local implementation of the Pillar and says seven cities submitted ten pledges that year. 4
The project connected city-level experience with European policy initiatives, including the EPSR, the Sustainable Development Goals and the European Disability Strategy. Its approach treated cities not only as implementers of social policy, but also as partners able to contribute evidence and influence policy design. 9