Cohesion policy

At the informal meeting of ministers responsible for regional policy on 06 December 2005 in Bristol, EU Commissioner for Regional Policy, Danuta Hübner, presented a paper on Cohesion Policy and cities: the urban contribution to growth and jobs in the regions.

 

The paper sets out an agenda for the promotion of a more integrated and strategic approach to urban development that can deliver more growth, jobs, social inclusion and improved environmental quality. The proposals are part of the Commission's reform of cohesion policy for the 2007-2013 period.

 

A public consultation on the Commission's paper has been launched and is open for contributions and comments until 17 February 2006. The results of this consultation will be published; the final document will help elaborate the Community strategic guidelines for cohesion, which will set the framework and future priorities for European funded programmes in the 2007-2013 period.

 

The paper on 'Cohesion Policy and cities: the urban contribution to growth and jobs in the regions"

To send your contribution: city-consultation@cec.eu.int

 

Sustainable communities in Europe

 

The Commission's document stems from the "Sustainable communities in Europe" concept. At an informal meeting of ministers in charge of urban policies, in Rotterdam, in 2004, the EU members agreed on the need to promote the local dimension of the Lisbon Agenda (economic growth and sustainable development with a social dimension). They identified five criteria to achieve sustainable communities in Europe:

Sustainable communities are defined as places where people wish to live and work today and in the future; eight "ingredients" are needed for a community to qualify for this definition: it must be dynamic, inclusive and safe; efficiently managed, respect the environment, well thought through and well built, with good transport links, economically successful, with efficient public services, and guided by solidarity.

 

Bristol accord: conclusions of ministerial informal meeting on sustainable communities in Europe (PAPER 1)