International Urban Cooperation (IUC) Programme

The IUC is a programme of the European Union’s Foreign Policy Instrument (FPI) that boosts international urban cooperation with EU partners in Asia and the Americas.

As the areas in which most people live and work, cities are increasingly acknowledged as the arena in which solutions to major societal and environmental challenges must bedeveloped and implemented.

Cities are the world’s primary hubs of economic and cultural activity, a fact which is causing the rate of urbanisation to increase at a rapid pace. This accelerated demographic change has put many cities under significant strain, with local governments often struggling to meet the higher demand for energy, water, health, education and transport services.

The IUC programme aims to enable cities in different global regions to link up and share solutions to common problems. It is part of a longterm strategy by the European Union to foster sustainable urban development in cooperation with both the public and private sectors, as well as representatives of research and innovation, community groups and citizens.

Through engaging in the IUC, cities will have the chance to share and exchange knowledge with their international counterparts, building a greener, more prosperous future.

The IUC programme is an opportunity for cities to learn from each other, set ambitious targets, forge lasting partnerships, test new solutions, and boost their international profile.

Its activities will support the achievement of policy objectives as well as major international agreements on urban development and climate change, such as the Urban Agenda, the Sustainable Development Goals, and the Paris Agreement.