Public space is universal, but in Europe, it holds a particular significance. It is the fabric that weaves our cities and cultures together, the physical and symbolic stage where democracy, exchange, and solidarity unfold. From grand city squares to neighborhood parks, Europe’s strength has long been found in its public agora—where people meet, debate, celebrate, and simply exist together. In a time when trust within and between communities is under strain, when mutual care and civic life face unprecedented challenges, the role of public space has never been more relevant.
That is why the Cities in Placemaking programme is so essential. Over the past two years, 12 European cities—Bradford, Budapest, Cork, Helsingborg, Helsinki, Reggio Emilia, Rotterdam, The Hague, Trenčín, Vila Nova de Famalicão, Wrocław, and Vinnytsia—each a leader in urban policy, have engaged in deep, sustained collaboration. This was not a symbolic effort or a fleeting commitment; it was an intensive, hands-on process of co-creation, learning, and transformation. These cities have come together not just to exchange ideas but to forge a shared roadmap, the Agenda for Making Placemaking Systemic, recognizing that the way we shape and govern public spaces is key to tackling our greatest challenges—from economic exclusion to climate change.
And there was no better place to mark this moment than in The Hague, the International City of Peace and Justice. For decades, The Hague has been a global center for diplomacy, human rights, and conflict resolution. A place of collaboration and civic responsibility, reminding us that cities are not just administrative units but active forces in shaping fairer, more inclusive societies.
But this is not only about bold declarations or ambitious plans. It is also about the details: the everyday work of governing humbly, improving the systems and habits that define our cities, and recognizing that the best solutions are co-produced with communities, not just for them. This agenda is not the end of a journey—it is a foundation for continued action. These cities acknowledge that there is always more to learn, more to refine, and more to build together.
A special thanks must go to the 50 civil servants who formed the core of the working group, representing every area of municipal governance—from health to planning to economic development. Their dedication and willingness to push beyond traditional silos have made this programme truly transformative.
We are also deeply grateful to the cities that have opened their doors and hosted critical discussions and explorations—what we have called milestones—throughout the programme. The Hague, Wrocław, Cork, Trenčín, Rotterdam, and Helsingborg have played an essential role in shaping this shared vision, ensuring that learning happened in real places, with real people, and in real time. Thanks also to our knowledge partners—the International Society for Urban Health (ISUH) , the Creative Bureaucracy Festival , and the Intercultural Cities Programme of the Council of Europe—for their invaluable support and insights.
Public space is where Europe’s shared future is being shaped. And when our public spaces are connected, our communities are too.
→ Explore the Agenda for Making Placemaking Systemic and discover each city’s unique journey.
