Efus is a European network of 250 local authorities from 16 countries set up in 1987 in Barcelona, on the initiative of Gilbert Bonnemaison, former Mayor of Epinay-sur-Seine, and under the auspices of the Council of Europe. Efus has a consultative status with the European Commission, Council of Europe and the United Nations. In 1998 Efus got an honorific prize from UN-HABITAT. The European Forum is a member and acting secretary of the International Centre for Crime Prevention (Montreal) and of the Eurofan network. Efus is member of the Civil Society Forum on Drugs, of the Civil Dialogue Meeting and of the Forum on Migration of the European Commission.
Efus acts for its network and through its network. It aims to be a focus-point for inter-city study, dialogue and cooperation, to identify and to share good practices and to assist cities in their everyday analysis and the improvement of the effectiveness of their action. Efus objectives are the respect for human rights and the implementation of safety policies. These policies must not lead to the exclusion and repression of vulnerable groups. Our principles are outlined in the Cities’ Manifesto.
Efus works on all major issues relating to urban safety and security, building up links between European local authorities by exchanging practices and information as well as through support and training. Efus also acts as a link between local authorities on a national, European and international level. Efus promotes the role of local authorities through its programmes, publications and research.
Efus exists for more than 25 years and collaborates with some European and International institutions such as European Commission (notably through EUCPN), Council of Europe, Un-Habitat or UNODC. Efus’activities, and its existence, have, by essence, a very strong European dimension. Efus counts members in 16 countries of the European Union and is active in more than 20 countries. The Efus promotes a Europe of Cities and so the essential purpose of the association is the European dimension.
Its usual sources of funding are : membership fees, European Commission project funds, as well as various governmental and international contracts.
