Ghent was elected as the new chair of Eurocities, Europe’s largest city network, during a ceremony in Braga, Portugal, on Friday.
Mayor Mathias De Clercq is now set to represent the city in this role for the next two years. Brussels-based Eurocities unites 222 cities across 38 countries, representing around 150 million Europeans.
Ghent has been a member since 1998, serving continuously on the board since 2009 and as vice-president since 2023. Barcelona will now assume the vice-presidency.
As president, Ghent will have the opportunity to influence the European political agenda from an urban perspective.
"With 75% of Europeans living in urban areas, our cities are at the forefront of the major challenges facing Europe," said De Clercq. "As president, I will advocate for robust EU policies and targeted investments that meet the real needs of urban populations."
Eurocities focuses on collaboration, policy influence, and the exchange of knowledge among European cities.
The network brings together mayors, councillors, and officials to strengthen urban ambitions. Daniël Termont, a former mayor of Ghent, also served as Eurocities president from 2008 to 2010.
