The Eurocities network was founded in 1986 by Mayors from six large European cities. The founder members were: Barcelona, Spain, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Frankfurt, Germany; Lyon, France; Milan, Italy; Rotterdam, Netherlands. The network in 2007 comprised more than 130 European cities from 30 different countries. The concept was that major European cities could benefit from forming such an association. Part of the intention was to form a political platform to act as a channel for communicating with European institutions and to be recognised as significant partners in the European community and Member's state. Membership is open to any European city with a population of 250,000 or more inhabitants. Cities within the European Union become full members, other European cities become associate members. Local authorities and organisations not eligible to become full or associate members are allowed Associated Partnership. Companies and businesses are allowed to become Associated Business Partners.