The urban dimension in Community policies for the period 2007-2013

Danuta HübnerCities and metropolitan areas are the engines of economic development. They are also the frontline in the battle against obstacles to growth and employment – especially social exclusion and environmental degradation.

We are working for the sustainable development of urban areas through initiatives which cover many Commission activities.

Urban managers have an increasing need for information at all levels. These European policies and programmes concern you – I believe it is important for the Commission to respond to your legitimate expectations concerning information.

I have therefore invited the Directorates-General that cooperate within the Commission Interservice Group on "Urban Development" to work on the present guide. We wanted a user-friendly document explaining the regulatory and financial framework relevant to urban areas.

The guide is for stakeholders and all who are interested in urban issues. It identifies the initiatives that, under various Community policies, have direct and indirect implications for the sustainable development of urban areas. Around a hundred specific documents are referenced.

Cohesion Policy has already played an important role in the development of Europe's towns and cities. This role will expand in the new 2007-2013 programming period as the urban dimension is integrated into the operational programmes proposed by the Member States and co-financed by the Structural Funds.

The Seven th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development, the "Competitiveness and Innovation" programme and other programmes can also finance measures promoting the sustainable development of our towns and cities.

EU policies on towns and cities also impact culture, youth, health, the environment, urban transport and energy efficiency, urban security, state aids and services to citizens – just to name a few of the other EU policies. The guide sheds light on all these programmes and initiatives.

I hope that this guide – the first of its kind – will concretely support all those who are contributing to the attractiveness and competitiveness of European cities and towns. I also hope stakeholders in urban development – both public and private – will get better acquainted with existing provisions at EU level.

The good governance of urban areas requires quality information. I am convinced that this guide is a key contribution.

Danuta Hübner

Press Release - Brussels, 24-05-2007 fr

The urban dimension in Community policies for the period 2007-2013

Table of contents - September 2007

Part 1 : The urban dimension in the cohesion policy for the period 2007-2013