Urban sprawl in European cities is characterized by a decrease in population and job density from the city center to the outskirts. Recent attention has been given to urban discontinuity, where cities have a mix of built-up areas, green spaces, and vacant lots. Using data from 1990 to 2014, researchers found that urban sprawl in European cities has led to lower density and more dispersed development. However, this trend seems to be slowing down in recent years. Cities with shrinking populations are more likely to experience urban sprawl. The study suggests the need for better urban planning to promote compact cities and manage land use changes for future population growth.