URB-AL is a horizontal program of decentralized cooperation between European Union and Latin American cities. Its objective is to develop direct and last-longing partnerships among different local authorities, by means of meetings, exchanges, and sharing knowledge and experiences. The purpose is to establish permanent exchange among cities of both regions on mutual interest issues.

The URB-AL Program was established in 1995 and, in its first phase, eight thematic networks were organized. There are approximately 700 cities involved in the program. It aims at encouraging participation of civil society organizations that work in partnership with the cities, such as NGOs, employer's entities, worker's unions, universities, etc.

The second phase of URB-AL Program was approved in December 2000, when other six  thematic networks were also organized.