Thematic Partnerships as models of multi-level governance
Multi-level governance as the cornerstone of UAEU Partnerships
Thematic Partnerships serve as the primary delivery mechanism of the Urban Agenda for the EU (UAEU). They bring together representatives from various levels of government and a diverse range of stakeholders.
These partnerships are designed to address complex urban challenges through complementary collaboration across governance levels, including: EU level (Institutions such as the European Commission, European Committee of the Regions (CoR), and other relevant bodies); national level (Member State authorities and national associations); regional level (regional authorities and associations); local level (large cities, as well as small and medium-sized municipalities); other stakeholders (civil society organizations, experts, professional associations, private sector entities, and other).
By fostering collaboration across these levels, Thematic Partnerships provide a unique platform to improve regulation, funding, and knowledge-sharing for EU cities.
"People coming from very different backgrounds, very different levels of governance, and who see the same challenge from a different angle. It is interesting to see the problem, to see what is being done, to come up with recommendations and to see these recommendations being implemented."
The New Leipzig Charter emphasizes the transformative potential of cities to promote the common good and underscores the need for sound urban governance to create just, green, and productive urban systems. In this context, UAEU Thematic Partnerships are valuable tools for advancing the strategic priorities outlined in the New Leipzig Charter. Their foundation in multi-level governance and multi-stakeholder cooperation ensures they effectively support sustainable urban development across Europe.
Why adopt a multi-level governance approach?
The concept of multi-level governance was first introduced by the CoR in 2009 and has since become a fundamental principle of EU policies. It reflects the European Commission’s commitment to fostering partnerships and ensuring an inclusive decision-making process at the European level.
Multi-level governance is defined as “coordinated action by the European Union, Member States, and local and regional authorities, based on partnership […] to create and implement EU policies.” This approach emphasizes shared responsibility across various tiers of government and aims to align planning at European and national levels with effective implementation at the local level. Multi-level governance is strongly advocated as the most suitable approach for addressing the complexity of urban challenges. By integrating policies, promoting collaboration, and enabling participation across all governance levels, multi-level governance supports a comprehensive and inclusive response to the diverse needs of EU cities.
Furthermore, multi-level governance enables EU cities to develop and implement solutions that are sustainable and well-coordinated.
Examples of multi-level governance in action
Since 2016, the Urban Agenda for the EU has initiated 20 Thematic Partnerships, each exemplifying effective multi-level governance by fostering collaboration among various governmental levels and stakeholders.
The Greening Cities Partnership gathers 31 members, including 10 cities, 2 regions, and 3 national authorities, to tackle urgent challenges related to urban green infrastructure. By collaborating across local, regional, national, and EU governance levels, the Partnership contributes to policy development and implementation supporting green infrastructure and the Nature Restoration Law. This cross-level collaboration is crucial for planning and implementing green infrastructure, particularly in creating connected nature corridors.
A key deliverable of the recently approved Action Plan, the Urban Ecosystem Restoration Manual (UERM), will focus on fostering this collaboration to aid in implementing the Nature Restoration Law and enhancing restoration efforts across different spatial and governance levels.
The Sustainable Tourism Partnership unites 29 members, including 9 cities, 3 regions, and 1 national authority, to address the pressing challenges of tourism development. Its mission is to support tourism policies and practices that balance economic growth with environmental protection and social well-being, contributing to the sustainability of tourism destinations across Europe. Working across governance levels, the Partnership contributes to the development and implementation of policies that support sustainable tourism.
Action n.6 of the recently approved Action Plan focuses on “Developing competences for tourism professionals and local & regional authorities in digital touristic services & products.” In this context, coordinated efforts across governance levels are crucial to prevent duplication, align with similar initiatives, and leverage existing EU-level resources.
What is the Urban Agenda for the EU ?
The Urban Agenda for the EU (UAEU) is an innovative, multi-level, and multi-stakeholder approach that fosters collaboration among EU Member States, cities, the European Commission, and other key actors.
The Pact of Amsterdam signed on 30 May 2016 at the informal meeting of EU Ministers responsible for Urban Matters, established this new working method. It intends to better involve cities in the design and implementation of EU policies. The overall objective is to include the urban dimension in policies and its implementation should lead to better regulation, better funding and better knowledge for cities in Europe.