Discussion: European Union Integration and Urban Development
Cities in Europe, home to the majority of Europeans, are both contributors and victims to critical issues like climate change and social and economic inequalities. In an attempt to address these challenges, a roundtable discussion is scheduled to take place at Sciences Po, focusing on urban policy, European governance, law, sustainability, and city planning.
The event, titled "EU law and the city: Untangling a co-constitutive relationship," is set for January 30th and 31st, 2025. It aims to bring together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and representatives of civil society to discuss key policy challenges related to cities and urban development. The international roundtable discussion, with approximately 30 participants, is scheduled for October 2–3, 2025, and will explore policy intersections involving urban issues, sustainability, and governance.
While the exact key speakers for the October roundtable are not yet explicitly identified, leading academic figures from Sciences Po and other institutions are typically involved in such discussions on law and governance. For instance, Jean d'Aspremont from Sciences Po School of Law is a notable legal scholar who may be a relevant figure in similar academic discussions.
The roundtable aims to include diverse perspectives in the discussion of Europe's urban and societal transformation. Notable attendees include Lamia El Aaraje, Deputy Mayor of Paris in charge of urban planning, architecture, Greater Paris, universal accessibility, and people with disabilities, and André Sobczak, Secretary General of Eurocities.
Matthew Baldwin, Deputy Director-General of D.G. for Energy at the European Commission, will also participate, as will Carlo Maria Colombo from Sciences Po, CEE. The partnership between European institutions and urban centers is crucial for unlocking innovative solutions and transformative policies, and this roundtable provides an opportunity to be part of the dialogue shaping Europe's urban and societal transformation.
The roundtable will bring together policymakers from European and local levels, and civil society representatives will also be part of the discussion. The aim is to uncover the opportunities that collaboration can create to build a more equitable and sustainable future, as Europe's sustainable and just transition relies heavily on the role of cities. Dr. Anne-Laure Beaussier from Sciences Po will chair the conference.
The roundtable will explore the evolving relationship between Europe and its cities, examining the challenges posed by this transformative era and the partnerships necessary for unlocking innovative solutions and transformative policies. This event offers a unique opportunity to engage in discussions that will shape Europe's urban and societal transformation.
The roundtable event, focusing on urban policy and city planning, will delve into the home-and-garden aspects of city living as part of the broader societal transformation in Europe. The dialogue surrounding Europe's urban development will also involve discussing lifestyle choices that contribute to a sustainable future, with key figures like Jean d'Aspremont from Sciences Po School of Law and Lamia El Aaraje, Deputy Mayor of Paris, expected to participate.
