Public Spaces

The management and protection of urban public spaces remains one of the top priorities of  local and regional authorities, and a key mandate from the electorate given their central role  in the attractiveness of cities.

They have become vital areas of urban life: places for  communication, gatherings, political demonstrations, artistic and cultural performances and  all sorts of entertainment. They represent places where people come together, interact and encounter differences.

Because they are highly frequented and by nature open, public spaces can be the target of a number of threats, ranging from relatively mild public nuisance to  extremely serious terrorist acts. Ensuring that such collective spaces remain safe, inclusive and open to all is a complex challenge for local authorities.

As the level of governance closest  to citizens, they have a key role to play in protecting public spaces, and as such should be better supported by national governments and European institutions. 

> Recommendations from the 2025 Security, Democracy and Cities manifesto

> Reports from the 2024 Security, Democracy and Cities conference
– Mental Health in Public Spaces
– Protecting freedom of expression and diversity in shared public spaces
– How to develop a local nightlife strategy: A guide to nightlife governance

> Positioning

In its 2025 Security, Democracy and Cities manifesto, Efus calls for public space security policies and programmes that preserve the openness of such spaces and their accessibility to all groups of population, both during the day and at night. Such policies should be designed and implemented with the participation of citizens. 
Citizen-driven data collection should shape policing strategies, while technology should be integrated within broader local security policies, involving multiple stakeholders. Privacy, transparency and accountability are crucial for public trust.
Civil society initiatives should be encouraged, especially those that add artistic or cultural value and enhance urban aesthetics. Continuous evaluation, including feedback from residents and businesses, ensures strategies remain effective and adaptable.