The Strategy provides a structured and actionable framework that guides European metropolitan areas in strengthening metropolitan governance, enhancing cooperation, and promoting territorial development. Developed under the guidance of the Metropolitan Research Institute (MRI), the Strategy is conceived as a transnational “cookbook” that synthesises knowledge from previous MECOG-CE project outcomes and global megatrend analysis.
A flexible approach to metropolitan governance models
The Strategy is built on the understanding that there is no universal model for metropolitan governance, as metropolitan areas face a wide range of challenges – from mobility in commuting zones to broader economic cooperation. For this reason, the framework provides practical steps how to strengthen metropolitan cooperation and governance, depending on the specific needs and maturity of each metropolitan area.
Structured guidance with practical steps
The Strategy offers clear guidance on both the structural and thematic elements essential for effective cooperation and governance, including:
• Metropolitan vision and strategic objectives – defining a shared long-term framework to guide coordinated metropolitan development,
• Metropolitan territory – defining the spatial scope of cooperation,
• Governance systems – examining decision-making structures,
• Financial schemes – securing sustainable funding for metropolitan cooperation from various resources,
• Thematic elements – identifying shared priorities to be included in the metropolitan policy,
• Stakeholder involvement – integrating key actors to support inclusive and adaptive metropolitan governance,
• Evaluation and monitoring – assessing the effectiveness of governance structures.
Each chapter follows a consistent and user-friendly structure: providing clear strategic objectives and explanations with illustrative examples from Europe, concluding with concrete strategic steps for implementation. Additional tools, tables, and maps included in the annexes allow users to navigate the content more easily and adapt the framework to their specific metropolitan context.
From planning to implementation
The Strategy serves as the foundation for the Action Plans developed by the MECOG-CE partner metropolitan areas. These plans translate the strategic framework into concrete, locally adapted steps focusing on enhancing metropolitan cooperation, governance structures or themes like mobility, food cooperation or spatial planning.
By aligning with major European goals like the Green Deal and Territorial Agenda 2030, the Strategy promotes a more inclusive and outcomes-oriented approach to metropolitan development. Ultimately, it fosters cooperation not only within core urban areas but also across functional territories and essential urban-rural linkages. The full document can be found here.