Europe Asia News

European Council President António Costa met with Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema. Costa congratulated Halsema on her election as chair of the Pact of Free Cities, which aims to support the democratic resilience of cities and share good practices for addressing common urban challenges.

Costa said affordable housing is an important issue affecting social cohesion, demographic sustainability and competitiveness across European Union member states. Regarding illegal drugs, he said cities face the local consequences of criminals operating across borders.

Costa said work at the European Union level could contribute to developing a comprehensive approach to both issues.