Abstract :
[en] To date, there is no harmonised way to monitor food systems, including their
governance, across cities. This paper assesses how 12 European cities have
progressed towards more sustainable food system governance. A comparative and
data-driven approach was used, based on selected indicators from the MUFPP and an
Advocacy indicator developed in FUSILLI project. The study followed a mixed-methods
design. Quantitative data come from a selection of 13 MUFPP indicators plus one
Advocacy indicator, which capture key governance functions. These indicators were
grouped into 4 dimensions: actor configuration, rules and institutions, process
coordination, and normative direction. Two exploratory measures were applied to
assess horizontal and vertical policy integration. Qualitative data were collected
through semi-structured interviews, and an integrated analysis was conducted to
contextualise and validate both quantitative and qualitative results. Results show
heterogeneity among cities. Governance indicators scores range from 53.2%-78.7%,
with an average of 62%, indicating moderate overall progress. The strongest
performance appears in the dimension of normative direction (78.9%), where cities
present clear visions and thematic policies for sustainability, health, equity and
resilience. Process coordination (27.4%) is the weakest dimension, reflecting limited
monitoring mechanisms and cross-departmental collaboration. Horizontal integration
shows a moderate degree of cross-sectoral involvement (56.3%), while vertical
integration remains low (18.8%), revealing insufficient multi-level coordination. Based
on these patterns, the study identifies 3 levels of governance maturity (early-stage,
emerging and consolidated) summarising different degrees of institutional development
and coordination capacity. Overall, cities share a common strategic orientation but face
persistent gaps in institutionalisation, coordination and multi-level governance.
