1. EUROCITIES Flash
An information service for EUROCITIES members
N° 105 April 2011
editorial highlights
Cooperation and cohesion
in Bordeaux New rules in the pipeline for public service utilities
T he voice of big
cities in Europe
is most powerful EUROCITIES will respond to the European Commission proposal
when we marry to reform the EU state aid rules on Services of General Economic
the political and Interest. We see the proposed revision as a sign of progress and are
technical expertise
particularly pleased that one of the commission’s main aims is to
in our member
cities with the simplify the rules for small-scale public services of a local nature.
institutional
knowledge of the EUROCITIES
secretariat in Brussels. The more we can see p. 5
engage our members in EU affairs, in
spite of the delivery pressures in their
cities, the greater our success as an
effective lobbying platform.
Cities on active inclusion conferences coming up
So the role of the contact officer in
each member city is pivotal. They are Nine national workshops on active inclusion will take place
our vital channels of communication over the coming months as part of the EUROCITIES-NLAO 2011
through the complex machinery of activities. The events will take place in each of the nine partner
local government in our 135 member
cities of the project and will address youth and active inclusion
cities. Contact officers ensure that
with local and national stakeholders.
EUROCITIES’ news reaches the most
appropriate colleagues in their
administrations. But in addition, they
make informed decisions as to which see p. 9
issues, forums or working groups their
city colleagues could most effectively
contribute. In short, contact officers
animate our network.
Belfast signs EUROCITIES Green Digital Charter!
For these reasons, it’s important
that our contact officers are kept up Belfast is the 23rd city to have signed up to the EUROCITIES
to speed on the big issues that set Green Digital Charter, which commits cities to the intelligent use
the policy framework for cities in of ICT for sustainable development and energy efficiency. An
Europe and that they also have the active member of the EUROCITIES network, particularly on green
chance to exchange experience on the issues, Belfast is already a signatory of both the Covenant of
operational aspects of international Mayors and the EUROCITIES Climate Change declaration.
relations. This is why each year, with
the generous support of the host city,
see p. 7
we hold the EUROCITIES cooperation
platform.
The 2011 edition will bring (mainly,
though not only) contact officers
together with the Brussels team,
to hear about the latest network thematic sections other sections
developments and to learn from
their peers in other cities. This year in
Bordeaux, we’ll also provide a briefing Culture p. 4 Key Developments p. 2
on cohesion policy, taking stock of the
current review process, and seeing how Economic Development p. 5 Projects p. 11
Bordeaux has itself used EU funds for
city transformation. Environment p. 6 Events p. 12
Knowledge Society p. 7
Running over 19 and 20 May, this
year’s cooperation platform promises to Mobility p. 8
be unmissable. I hope to see you there!
www.eurocities.eu
Social Affairs p. 9
Paul Bevan
Secretary General, EUROCITIES Cooperation p. 10
2. Key developments
EU green transport vision must support local flexibility
B
y mainstreaming urban transport pricing schemes, seem to disregard city car use in urban areas in general. Even if
into its new ten-year strategy realities.” they are lighter and more specialised, cars
for transport, the European are a huge contributor to congestion in
Legal issues, specifically, are causing
Commission has taken a step in the right cities and also require the use of polluting
unease among cities across Europe:
direction towards a cleaner and more sources of energy.”
economically vibrant EU. 1. Mandatory urban mobility plans:
which may compromise the flexibility
Commenting on the EU’s revised
cities have to ensure transport solutions
transport white paper unveiled on 28
are tailored specifically to their needs. We
March, EUROCITIES secretary general, Paul
believe that no mandatory ‘one-size-fits-
Bevan, said:
all’ solution can be applied at the local
“We are pleased that the commission level.
is showing the strategic leadership
2. Access restriction schemes and
necessary to tackle politically difficult
road user charging: cities oppose the
issues and we welcome the leverage it will
commission’s wish to develop a legal
give member states and local authorities
framework for these. In fact, these fields
to push for sustainability.”
are local competences that are best
Yet, there is apprehension that the addressed flexibly by local authorities
same strategy has the potential to according to local circumstances.
undermine the ability of local authorities
In addition, the new strategy doesn’t
to develop and deliver transport solutions
offer the best approach towards more
in the future. On this, EUROCITIES’
environmentally-friendly forms of
mobility lead, Frits Lintmeijer, Deputy
transport in urban areas. EUROCITIES
Mayor for transport in Utrecht, said:
president, Frank Jensen, the Mayor of
“While we are delighted that Copenhagen, said:
the commission has taken up our
“If we really want to make a difference
recommendation to recognise the
in the future, we need to get people EUROCITIES position on the future of transport:
importance of urban transport in its new
cycling, walking and using public www.tinyurl.com/eurocitiesEUfuturetransport09
plans, we are concerned that proposals
transport. The commission must also
related to mandatory urban mobility Vanessa Holve, EUROCITIES policy officer –
consider a strategy that strives to limit
plans, access restriction schemes and road mobility: vanessa.holve@eurocities.eu
EUROCITIES prepares interactive website
This summer, EUROCITIES will be launching its new website,
featuring a range of tools that will help you, as a member, to stay
in touch more easily with the network.
Once you log in, your member's area homepage will feature
the forums and working groups in which you are active. This
will give you more direct access to the information that’s most
relevant to your needs and interests.
A collaboration tool for working groups and other groups of
members will help you work together on shared documents.
In team spaces, members can exchange information through
wikis and news feeds.
You’ll also be able to sign up to our various policy sector
newsletters or you can subscribe to an RSS feed to stay informed.
We hope that these new features will help you in your
EUROCITIES work and keep you up-to-date on what’s happening Maurice Bock, EUROCITIES digital communications coordinator:
in the network. maurice.bock@eurocities.eu
Flash 105 April 2011 2
3. Key developments
Events
Have your say! consultation on new smart cities and communities initiative
A
new initiative of the European Commission aims to build Support will be given to projects based on the priorities identified
on the long-term urban sustainability plans made by in cities' urban sustainability plans.
cities in Europe, for example those developed under the
EUROCITIES is currently preparing a response to the public
Covenant of Mayors initiative.
consultation on the Smart Cities and Communities initiative. If
'Smart Cities and Communities' aims to enhance the potential you are interested in contributing, please contact Jan Franke at
for replicating good local energy practice across the EU and to the Brussels office
facilitate the exchange of knowledge. Through it, the commission
wishes to make low-carbon technologies and solutions
commercially interesting by creating economies of scale with the
help of a city projects. Jan Franke, EUROCITIES policy officer - knowledge society:
jan.franke@eurocities.eu
The new initiative intends to support a variety of city activities,
including joint technology testbedding and demonstration European Commission consultation on Smart Cities and Communities
projects, knowledge transfer and the exchange of best practice. www.tinyurl.com/ECsmartcitiescommunities
Advancing on mobility Catch up with colleagues at 2011
EUROCITIES is teaming up with integrated SUMP or which apply EUROCITIES cooperation platform
other organizations across the EU only infrastructural measures to Bordeaux | 19-20 May 2011
in a new European Commission resolve mobility problems. For
mobility project, which is to be the more advanced cities that This year’s
launched in June 2011. already have a SUMP, ADVANCE EUROCITIES
offers to evaluate of these SUMPs cooperation
Under the brand name, platform will take
and potential for improvement.
ADVANCE, this new project place in Bordeaux
will aim to increase the energy The ADVANCE audit scheme on 19-20 May.
efficiency of urban transport and will be developed by a team of
reduce the demand for transport mobility experts, stakeholders Now in its
in European cities. To reach these and city representatives. After seventh edition,
goals ADVANCE will develop, a validation and improvement this annual
test and apply an audit scheme phase, eight cities, including meeting convenes
for cities that will improve the EUROCITIES members, Terrassa all EUROCITIES
quality of sustainable urban and Szczecin, will be guided contact officers
mobility plans (SUMPs) and through the scheme to devise and provides an
policies. eight local action plans. These opportunity for
plans will raise awareness among them to meet,
As one of the project partners, exchange, discuss
local decision-makers on the
EUROCITIES will be responsible and learn from
correlation of energy efficiency
mainly for establishing a user one another.
and transport.
group to review the sustainable
urban mobility plans auditing To ensure the future Highlights of
scheme. We’ll also be responsible uptake of the results in more the 2011 event will include:
for promoting ADVANCE via European cities, at least 50
• An interactive information fair with
other EU level programmes and additional external auditors
stands for each of the forums, projects, EUROCITIES
events. will be trained in ten European
fundamentals etc...
countries. Actions aimed at
The application of the
disseminating the results and • An introduction to the new EUROCITIES
ADVANCE audit scheme will
sharing experiences among city website and members area, exploring the new
result in local action plans. The
practitioners and auditors will working tools provided through these sites
ADVANCE audit scheme will be
also be taken up. The project’s
practical and user-friendly to • A study visit of several districts in Bordeaux,
strategic partners including
ensure that cities have sufficient where participants will be able to see the impact of
EUROCITIES will organise
resources after the audit to be cohesion policy and exchange on the perspectives for
awareness-raising events across
able to implement concrete the future
Europe to promote the scheme.
measures under their plans.
Register now!
The focus of ADVANCE lies
in supporting cities without an
Sinéad Mullins, EUROCITIES communications executive:
Peter Staelens, EUROCITIES project officer – mobility: peter.staelens@eurocities.eu sinead.mullins@eurocities.eu
Flash 105 April 2011 3
4. Culture
European Capitals of Culture after 2019
R
esponding to a European Commission consultation on the
future of the European Capitals of Culture (ECoC) beyond
2019, EUROCITIES has recommended that the future scheme
contributes to ‘sustainable integrated urban development’ where
culture is connected to other policy areas. We have also asked for
greater emphasis on intercultural dialogue, citizens’ participation
and culture as part of integrated urban development.
The first general results of the commission’s consultation,
below, were presented at a public hearing on 2 March in Brussels:
• 95% of respondents believe the scheme should continue
after 2019. A majority think that the objectives are still relevant
but should be updated, although there is no consensus on how
• There is strong support for monitoring actions provided
this should be done.
by the European Commission as well as for more exchange of
• A majority believe that selection criteria should be more experiences between cities.
precise and place more emphasis on cooperation across Europe,
All responses received, together with a detailed analysis, will be
on long-term impacts and legacy, and on greater involvement of
published on the commission’s website before summer 2011. The
citizens at all stages of the event.
new ECoC proposal will be presented by early 2012 and will be
• In terms of territory covered, 62% believe the ECoC based on the consultation process, an independent evaluation of
should cover only cities or metropolitan areas, while 38% think it the ECoC’s current functioning and on independent evaluations
should cover regions. of former title holders
Julie Hervé, EUROCITIES policy officer – culture: julie.herve@eurocities.eu
Act for culture in Europe! Culture does good!
Two main themes were discussed
at the 16-19 March meeting of the
EUROCITIES Culture Forum in Turku, this
year’s European Capital of Culture:
'We are more' (2010-2013) is a • Culture and well-being: Based
Europe-wide arts advocacy campaign on the fact that culture increases both
set up by Culture Action Europe in the mental and physical well-being of
partnership with the European Cultural people, Turku’s well-being programme
Foundation. Its goal is to contribute to a presented during the meeting,
strengthened recognition of the role of encompasses several projects that relate
arts and culture in the development of directly to well-being e.g. cultural plans To overcome barriers linked to budget
European societies. for homes for the elderly as well as for cuts, forum members agreed that the
schools and daycare. benefits of culture for cities and society
The campaign focuses on improving
need to be more visible. There was
the quality and quantity of support that • Cities confronting budget cuts also consensus regarding the need to
the sector receives from two key EU for culture: members discussed their coordinate once again and rebuild
policies: the Culture Programme and EU respective national financial contexts public administrations for culture, where
regional development policies. The entire and the consequences of budget cuts for relevant, as well as to improve the
culture sector as well as individuals can local-level strategies. effectiveness and visibility of local and
get involved and support the campaign.
regional cooperation.
The financing of culture is seen to
vary from city to city. By and large, there The next EUROCITIES Culture Forum
is still strong popular support for public meeting will take place in Aarhus,
spending in the arts. At the same time, Denmark, on 9-12 June and will focus on
public money for the arts is scarce and governance for local cultural policies.
must be spent where necessary. These
considerations require effective cultural
strategies.
We are more – act for culture in Europe:
www.wearemore.eu
Contact: campaign@wearemore.eu Julie Hervé, EUROCITIES policy officer – culture: julie.herve@eurocities.eu
Flash 105 April 2011 4
5. Economic Development
EUROCITIES members shortlisted for European Enterprise Awards
P
rojects associated with the cities of Amsterdam, Barcelona, partners including the city
Gdansk and Vilnius are among the 12 nominees for the of Amsterdam, this initiative
European Enterprise Awards (EEA) this year. These annual supports university students in
awards seek to promote the efforts of local, regional and setting up companies during
national public authorities involved in entrepreneurial initiatives. their studies.
Many of the nominated projects include opportunities for The winners of this year’s
socially disadvantaged groups. For instance, the municipal EEAs will be announced on
employment office in Gdansk launched the Mature Entrepreneur 24 May 2011 at an awards
programme which provides grants and business skills training to ceremony in Budapest
those aged 50-64. The programme creates opportunities for these
people to become self-employed as an alternative to retirement
or unemployment. Over 30 new companies have already been set
up this way.
Another example is the CASE programme in Amsterdam EEA 2011: www.tiny.cc/seyb8
which targets young people and promotes entrepreneurship.
Run by the city’s universities together with public sector Julie Hervé, EUROCITIES policy officer – culture: julie.herve@eurocities.eu
How lifelong learning boosts local economies Reforming EU state aid rules for
in Europe public service utilities
The latest EUROCITIES Economic Development Forum meeting in EUROCITIES will
Munich dealt with lifelong learning strategies from the perspective of respond to the European
economic development. Commission’s recent
communication on the
Today’s rapid technological change and economic restructuring
reform of the EU state
requires a flexible, highly-skilled and more adaptable workforce. In this
aid rules on Services
context, participants discussed how the concept of lifelong learning
of General Economic
relates to the Europe 2020 strategy, the demographic transition in
Interest (SGEI). The
Europe, and potential fields of action for local authorities.
communication aims to
A series of sessions were also held on the following cases: generate political debates before preparing a new draft
package of rules on SGEI.
• Terrassa Metropolitan Area presented its Vocational and
Education Training Council, which, among other things, aims to help The current SGEI package applies to large commercial
match the supply of training with the city’s employment demands. services for example network industries (postal services,
energy provision, electronic communication services
• Eindhoven presented some of its key programmes, activities and public transport services), as well as a wide range
and instruments associated with lifelong learning which are part of its of health and social services (e.g. care services for the
Brainport region concept. elderly and disabled persons).
• Istanbul’s İsmek programme offers 123 courses in 218 centres EUROCITIES regards the proposed revision positively
which helps over 300,000 migrants who come to Istanbul each year in since there is a general feeling that the current
order to maximise their potential and increase their job prospects. legislation needs to be simplified, more proportional
• Antwerp presented their local evidence-based policy and and more transparent as shown by the results of the
practice in education research, which, in a consortium with six other 2010 public consultation. In particular, EUROCITIES is
European cities and five research institutions, studies the role of local pleased that one of the commission’s main aims is to
authorities knowledge brokerage. simplify the rules for small-scale public services of a
local nature with a limited impact on trade between EU
Participants also took part in a study visit to Hasenbergl, a member states as well as for certain social services.
neighbourhood in the North of Munich, where the city council set
up a project called ‘Lernen vor Ort’ (Learning local). The project The European Commission will consult with other EU
emanates from observed learning gaps within the city, where some institutions and stakeholders on drafts of the new SGEI
neighbourhoods were seen as better served than others in terms of package before July 2011.
learning facilities and access to curricula information. The project aims
to reach the most deprived neighbourhoods and ultimately close that
learning gap.
Commission communication on SGEI: http://tiny.cc/452ql
Soraya Zanardo, assistant to EUROCITIES' policy director: Marie Ranty, EUROCITIES policy officer - economic development:
soraya.zanardo@eurocities.eu marie.ranty@eurocities.eu
Flash 105 April 2011 5
6. Environment
Energy efficiency: the EU’s new action plan
T
he European Commission has issued a new energy efficiency heating, while showing support for the greater use of heat and
plan proposing several actions for reaching the 20% energy power co-generation. These goals, the plan states, will require an
savings target set for 2020 including measures such as integrated approach and the involvement of local authorities.
efficiency improvements in buildings and in power and heat
The new plan makes no reference to transport actions, which
generation as well as upgrading industrial processes.
are addressed in the EU’s revised transport white paper unveiled
According to the plans, public bodies in the EU will be on 28 March (see pg.2).
required to retrofit at least 3% of their building stock every year.
Apart from energy savings and a reduction of greenhouse
Commission figures show that this is about double the current
gas emissions, the proposed measures are to lead to
rate. The renovations would need to bring public buildings to the
important financial savings for households, improve Europe’s
level of the best 10% of the national building stock in terms of
competitiveness and create jobs. The commission plans to issue
energy efficiency.
a number of legislative proposals in the course of the year to
In addition, local authorities would only be allowed to rent or implement the action plan.
buy existing buildings when they are in the best available energy
EUROCITIES is currently preparing a response to the
performance class. Improvements on private buildings, however,
commission's action plan
would be left mainly to member states.
Under another planned proposal, the commission will require
public authorities to apply high energy efficiency standards when
buying goods, services and works. Energy Efficiency Action Plan 2011: www.tinyurl.com/6j9zrmn
As regards efficient energy production, the commission is Michael Klinkenberg, EUROCITIES policy officer – environment:
suggesting to further explore ways in which to promote district michael.klinkenberg@eurocities.eu
Special Covenant of Mayors event for EU issues 2050 low carbon economy roadmap
large cities
The European Commission’s roadmap for moving to a low
Brussels I 14 April 2011 carbon economy in 2050, published on 8 March, looks at how
Recognising that local the EU can deliver greenhouse gas reductions of 80- 95% by
authorities of different sizes 2050.
have different needs, the Based on a cost-effectiveness analysis, it proposes guidelines
Covenant of Mayors office is for sectoral policies, low-carbon national and regional
organising a discussion group strategies and long-term investments, while stressing that the
on 14 April in Brussels during EU must start working on such strategies now.
the EU Sustainable Energy
Week (EUSEW) 2011. For the commission, the most cost-effective way to achieve
the 2050 target requires a 25% reduction of greenhouse gases
This meeting will be Also on Wednesday 13 by 2020, to be achieved by domestic measures alone, rather
the first of several aimed April, cities that are involved than the current 20% target.
at addressing the specific in the covenant will showcase
interests and questions The roadmap identifies transport measures such as pricing
their actions in the field of
of large cities that are schemes, improvements of public transport and electrification,
climate change and energy
signatories or potential as key to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and tackling air
efficiency. Examples taken
signatories to the Covenant pollution at the same time, especially in cities. According to
from those that are using
of Mayors. the commission, a massive investment shift is necessary, but
European funding for local
high benefits are expected in return, including halved fuel
A range of local action sustainable energy actions,
imports by 2050, job creation, as well as better air quality and
plans will be presented and will also be presented.
health benefits.
discussed at the meeting, Join the discussion for an
entitled ‘Covenant of Mayors The roadmap was judged unambitious by some MEPs and
update on European funding
action plans – large cities environmental NGOs who have said that the EU must cut its
and be inspired by the
& agglomerations share greenhouse gas emissions by 30% until 2020. In response, the
actions and results of what is
experiences’. Participants will EU’s climate commissioner, Connie Hedegaard, confirmed that
surely one of the EU’s most
also be given plenty of time the EU could move to a 30% target if other countries also
successful climate initiatives!
for informal networking and offered more ambitious action in currently deadlocked UN
peer learning. climate talks.
Programmes and registration Roadmap for moving to a low carbon economy in 2050:
www.eumayors.eu/events.php?lang=en&type=2 www.tinyurl.com/6bg5bbx
Dion Wierts, EUROCITIES project officer – climate & energy Michael Klinkenberg, EUROCITIES policy officer – environment:
dion.wierts@eurocities.eu michael.klinkenberg@eurocities.eu
Flash 105 April 2011 6
7. Knowledge Society
Funding call on ICT for innovative government and public services
T
he European Commission has authentication: it is proposed to pilot the The
launched a call for applications to use of eID in a number of sectors such commission
support pilot projects that make as transport, health, social security etc. will support
government services more effective and with eIDs issued by a number of different one pilot
fully interoperable. Applicants should trusted public and private organisations. action
submit project proposals that address one The pilot will also test the interoperability under this
of the following objectives: of the different approaches, at national objective
and EU level, for persons and legal for up to €3
1. Towards a cloud of public
entities, including the facility to 'mandate' million.
services: cloud computing refers to the
between them.
provision of computational resources to Funding is made available under the
companies and public administrations, on Under this objective, the commission 5th call for proposals within the ICT Policy
demand via a computer network. It offers will support one pilot, financing up to Support Programme (ICT PSP), which
the possibility for administrations to €8.5 million. aims to stimulate smart, sustainable and
deliver services that are more flexible and inclusive growth by accelerating the wider
3. Piloting IPv6 upgrade for
are easier to develop, maintain, open and uptake and best use of innovative digital
eGovernment services in Europe: With
share. The pilots will test and validate the technologies.
a depletion of IPv4 addresses expected
use of these technologies by authorities.
soon, public administrations and other Deadline for applications: 1 June 2011
Under this objective, the commission stakeholders must prepare for IPv6
intends to support several actions, deployment in order to ensure continuity
financing up to €5 million per pilot. of their services. The aim is hence to
stimulate the upgrade of eGovernment
2. Towards a single European
infrastructures, and services of public ICT PSP work programme 2011:
electronic identification (eID) and
interest to IPv6. www.tinyurl.com/4kr6jkk
Barcelona Smart City model launched Belfast signs EUROCITIES Green Digital Charter!
The Barcelona ‘Smart City’ model was Belfast is the 23rd city
launched by Ramón García-Bragados, to have signed up to
Deputy Mayor of Barcelona, on 28 the EUROCITIES Green
March. Digital Charter, which
commits cities to the
Barcelona’s smart city concept aims to intelligent use of ICT for
increase citizens’ quality of life, support sustainable development
more competitive and innovative and energy efficiency.
business, make city management and
maintenance easier and cheaper and The charter was
last, but not the least, enhance the sustainability and signed by Belfast’s Lord
development of a greener city. Mayor, Pat Convery,
during a recent meeting
The Barcelona model is built around: with EUROCITIES
1. Ubiquitous infrastructures which allow for secretary general, Paul
connections everywhere throughout the city; Bevan.
2. Rich information provided by sensor devices and An active member
brought to light through the open data portal; and of the EUROCITIES
network, particularly
3. The human capital of Barcelona. on green issues, Belfast
Through these, Barcelona will work towards developing is already a signatory
a new generation of services generation and better of both the Covenant
management of public spaces. of Mayors and the
EUROCITIES Climate
The smart city is being implemented for the first time in Change declaration.
the ‘22@Barcelona’ innovation district. More than 1,500
innovative companies have established themselves there, Belfast is the capital city of Northern Ireland and the second
and have created 45,000 new jobs since 2001. Its advanced largest city on the island of Ireland. The city has a population of
infrastructures are also used by research companies as a 267,374, with 645,536 residents in the wider metropolitan area.
testing area for a range of city pilot initiatives and the 22@ The city has undergone substantial economic growth in recent
experience for example is being used as a blueprint for years with considerable expansion and regeneration in the city
reforming the city’s other districts. centre.
Deirdre Ferguson, city of Belfast: FergusonD@BelfastCity.gov.uk
Joan Batlle i Montserrat, city of Barcelona: jbatlle@bcn.cat EUROCITIES Green Digital Charter: www.tinyurl.com/eurocitiesGDC
Flash 105 April 2011 7
8. Mobility
No 'one-size-fits-all' for access restriction schemes in cities, says EUROCITIES
A
recommendation stemming from In addition, the commission’s revised best-placed to determine their access
a European Commission study white paper on transport published restriction schemes.
on access restriction schemes on 28 March 2011, also seems to pose
In cooperation with the Council of
is causing concern among cities across problems for cities as it proposes ‘a
European Municipalities and Regions
Europe. The commission recommendation, validated framework for urban road
(CEMR), we have drafted a joint position
which is one of ten, implies the user charging and access restriction
paper on access restriction schemes in
establishment of a single EU-wide schemes and their applications, including
cities and will continue to cooperate to
website for vehicle registration and the a legal and a validated operational and
ensure that cities’ recommendations are
payment of access charges. EUROCITIES technical framework covering vehicle and
considered at EU level
does not favour such an EU approach infrastructure applications’.
since European cities do not have the
EUROCITIES is in favour of those
resources for a bespoke payment channel
recommendations that highlight the
via a centralised website. Nevertheless,
importance of guidance and exchange
cities would welcome a central point of
of best practice between cities, as well
reference which would allow users to
as EU support with funding. We remain
access a city website in order to process
opposed however to any EU legislation
any registration or payment.
that aims to harmonise the design and
The commission launched the study implementation of access restriction
as part of its commitments to the schemes in urban areas. In our position
urban mobility action plan adopted in sent both to the commission and Brussels
September 2009. The study was presented press corps, we have spelled out clearly
at a workshop in Brussels in March 2011, that each city deals with a unique
where stakeholders expressed the wish environmental, social and geographical
to have a harmonised framework for low landscape and that local authorities are
Vanessa Holve, EUROCITIES policy officer -
emission zones at EU level.
mobility: vanessa.holve@eurocities.eu
Creating barrier-free cities for all
Vienna | 27-28 June 2011
Faced with the challenges of implementing the United Nations
convention on the rights of persons with disabilities, cities are
eager to exchange experiences on how best to ensure barrier-free
accessibility and enable all citizens to take part in city life.
It’s in this context that the EUROCITIES ‘barrier-free city for all’
working group was set up in 2009.
The group will hold its next meeting on 27-28 June in Vienna
to discuss mobility and security and share ‘design for all’ examples
already in place in public spaces, transport infrastructure and
guide systems across some of Europe’s biggest cities.
Now with over 25 members and partners, the working group
has met three times already. At its last meeting held in Brussels in
November 2010, Inmaculada Placencia-Porrero, a representative
of the European Commission section for employment, social
affairs and equal opportunities, spoke of the 2010-2020
European strategy for people with disabilities and the renewed
commitment to a barrier-free Europe. She emphasised the
importance of networks, above all city networks, and called for The group’s final meeting of 2011 is already scheduled for
closer cooperation between this EUROCITIES working group and the end of the year in Paris. It will focus largely on education
the commission. Future requirements for European standards and training and the development of a European curriculum on
were also examined and will be on the group’s agenda for the accessible design and construction, a ‘design for all’ for architects,
future. urban and transport planning, as well as for craft and trade.
Barbara Berninger, the city of Vienna: Barbara.Berninger@senstadt.berlin.de
Flash 105 April 2011 8
9. Social Affairs
First task force meeting on the European Social Fund
T
he European Social Fund (ESF) has moved up on EUROCITIES’ The conclusions of the task force discussions will form the basis
agenda now that the EU institutions are discussing the of EUROCITIES’ policy statement on the future of the ESF, which
instrument’s next funding round for the period 2014-2020. will outline the key principles that cities would like the European
Commission to consider when drafting the new regulations.
The ESF, which supports employment and social inclusion,
represents about 10% of the EU’s total budget. The current In addition, the Brussels secretariat recently sent a survey to
debate offers cities a unique opportunity to influence the policy- all members of the EUROCITIES Social Forum so as to allow for
making process and raise concerns. Of particular importance to us more cities to contribute to the discussions. The survey included
is the need to increase visibility and awareness of the important questions on several technical points currently being discussed by
role of cities in delivering the Europe 2020 goals. the European Commission. The findings of this survey will feature
in a more detailed EUROCITIES policy paper to come out later in
Our discussions kicked off last March at the first EUROCITIES
the year.
ESF task force meeting, which was chaired and hosted by the
city of Birmingham. Based on experiences to date, participants The ESF task force will meet twice more this year, with the
discussed the pros and cons of the current ESF regulation. It next meeting on 24-25 May in Grenoble Alpes Metropole. Cities
was agreed that cities are in a unique position to see the links interested in becoming involved in this work are invited to
between different policy areas and are able to address them in contact Silvia Ganzerla at the Brussels office
a holistic way, while building partnerships for better outcomes.
It was further felt that cities are an ideal test-bed for innovative
Silvia Ganzerla, EUROCITIES senior policy officer – social affairs:
approaches. silvia.ganzerla@eurocities.eu
EUROCITIES report: use of health data in local policy making Cities on Active Inclusion
conferences
EUROCITIES has just published a
report on the use of health data in local
policy making. The report is a result of
the peer review held by the EUROCITIES
working group health and well-being
in late 2010 in Liverpool. Participants
Nine national workshops on active
looked at the examples of health
inclusion will take place over the coming
profiles in England, the European
months as part of the EUROCITIES-NLAO
Urban Health Indicators System (URHIS)
2011 activities. The events will take place
and how the information collected is
in each of the nine partner cities of
used in four large Dutch cities.
the project and will address youth and
The most important conclusion of the active inclusion with local and national
report is that the collection of data and stakeholders.
important that the data is presented
its analysis can only signal a problem,
in an accessible way, analysed and The active inclusion of young people in
but cannot explain how or why it
accompanied by recommendations on society is the main focus of EUROCITIES-
happens. Regular collection of data is
possible actions to be taken. Lastly, NLAO for the first half of 2011. These
helpful as it immediately shows changes
the report also mentioned challenges events will seek to analyse how cities
in a given area or sector. However,
related to data comparability, especially can, and are already, tackling youth
finding out what caused these changes
between countries. unemployment. The workshops will also
requires further and more specific
provide opportunities for good practice
research and collection of additional The report also gathers the
exchange among the cities involved in the
data. contributions on collection and use of
project. We also expect the participation
local health data in six cities: Belfast,
This has implications for policy of key representatives of the EU
Bologna, Eindhoven, Leeds, Rotterdam
making and policy evaluation. Data institutions.
and Warsaw.
can be used for setting or modifying
priorities and to evaluate policy
effectiveness. In both cases, it is
More information on the meetings will be
published shortly on the EUROCITIES-NLAO
Peer review report www.inclusivecities.eu website: www.eurocities-nlao.eu
Anna Drozd, EUROCITIES programme officer social inclusion – PROGRESS: Michele Corbetta, EUROCITIES LAO network
anna.drozd@eurocities.eu coordinator: michele.corbetta@eurocities.eu
Flash 105 April 2011 9
10. Cooperation
Events
EU report on future orientations for cities
C
ities and urban development are a focal point of current consumption, transport, and
territorial development policy in the EU. With this in mind, communication), are outlined.
the ESPON project FOCI-Future Orientations for Cities, was
The approved final report
launched in 2008 to analyse the state, trends and development
will be available to download
perspectives for the largest cities and urban agglomerations
from the ESPON website in the
within the EU.
coming weeks
Just published, the project’s draft final report introduces a
policy-oriented selection of research findings to feed into current
policy debates. Different sections review the situations of cities
across the EU - their economic performance, cooperation, social
cohesion and sustainable development.
The final chapter is devoted to ‘imagining the future of
European cities’, where two scenarios are proposed: a ‘green
economy’ and ‘enhancing the European potential’. Both scenarios
emphasise changes and challenges that will impact on cities
which will need to be addressed by all levels of government.
The issues and opportunities of demographic stagnation and
FOCI draft final report: www.espon.eu
ageing populations, slower progress of real incomes, impacts
of climate change and new technologies that will affect Soraya Zanardo, assistant to EUROCITIES policy director:
territorial development in a number of fields (energy production/ soraya.zanardo@eurocities.eu
EU insights for EUROCITIES eastern members Greater emphasis wanted for role
of cities in macro-regions
The EUROCITIES
working group In March, the EUROCITIES working group
on European on governance met with representatives
neighbourhood policy of the Polish and Hungarian Permanent
and enlargement met Representations to the EU to look at the role of
in Brussels in March cities in macro-regional strategies.
for comprehensive As this year will see both a new
discussions on the communication on the Danube region strategy
European capital and and the review of the Baltic sea strategy, there is
its institutions. a window of opportunity for cities to offer some
On the first day, thinking and influence on their final outcomes.
members of the It was highlighted during the group’s
working group met recent meeting in Brussels that the role of
with representatives cities in macro-regions has, up to now, been
from a range of local undervalued. Big cities are the nodes of many
and regional offices networks and are therefore vital to the success
based in Brussels of macro-regional strategies. Cooperation,
at the Wien House. At EUROCITIES, they participated in a session on project transport, research, economy and creative
management, where Nathalie Guri, EUROCITIES’ new projects manager, gave a networks all need to go through big cities. In this
presentation on responding to EU funding calls. context, members advocated that cities should
Participants were also given an insight into the EU machinery during be involved in the design and development of
meetings held with the head of unit for eastern partnership at the European macro-regions.
Parliament, among others. Another meeting was held at the European
Commission’s DG EuropeAid unit for geographical coordination for Europe.
Ketevan Karenashvili, city of Tbilisi: q.qarenashvili@tbilisi.gov.ge
Soraya Zanardo, assistant to EUROCITIES policy director:
Regina Wiala-Zimm, city of Vienna: regina.wiala-zimm@wien.gv.at soraya.zanardo@eurocities.eu
Flash 105 April 2011 10
11. Projects
SEGMENT expert seminar at next EUROCITIES Mobility Forum
Oslo | 6-7 June 2011
T
he first meeting in a series of experts seminars organised
within the SEGMENT - Segmented Marketing for Energy
Efficient Transport project will take place at the next
EUROCITIES Mobility Forum meeting in Oslo, early June.
The gathering will give forum members a chance to meet and
talk with experts and representatives of SEGMENT.
SEGMENT is a three-year commission-funded project that
tests the use of consumer market segmentation techniques in • Targeting consumers undergoing ‘life change moments’
persuading people to change their travel behaviour. which cause them to question and reconsider their travel habits;
Participants will learn about the first results of the project and
as well as information that responds to needs identified by • Clustering these consumers into homogenous groups and
a survey that was circulated in summer 2010. There will also formulating customised campaigns.
be opportunities for an exchange of experience and ideas
concerning current transport activities and future campaigns. In The draft programme of the Oslo seminar will be circulated in
this respect, much is to be learned from the SEGMENT project, the coming weeks
which seeks to maximise the impact of campaigns through two
segmentation techniques:
SEGMENT: www.segmentproject.eu
Melanie Leroy, EUROCITIES project officer - mobility management: melanie.leroy@eurocities.eu
European Mobility Week 2011 promotes Save the date!
alternative mobility CIVITAS Forum conference
’Alternative mobility‘ is the slogan for the 2011 European Mobility Funchal | 17-19 October 2011
Week and with it, the European Commission wants to support the
transition towards a resource-efficient transport system by promoting CIVITAS,
clean, fuel efficient modes and human-powered travel. the European
Commission initiative
The general aim of the aimed at promoting
campaign – which runs from cleaner and better
16 to 22 September every year transport in cities, is
- is to encourage European getting ready for its
local authorities to introduce annual event, this
and promote sustainable year taking place in
transport measures and to the city of Funchal,
invite citizens to try out the capital of Portugal’s Maderan archipelago, on 17-19
alternatives to car use. October.
In 2010, a record number For the ninth time running, this annual conference
of 2,221 cities, representing offers an ideal forum for local politicians, mobility
approximately 227 million practitioners, academics and NGOs to network and
European citizens, registered their participation on the campaign’s exchange experiences on urban mobility in Europe.
official website. European Commission high-level representatives will
EUROCITIES, the project’s coordinator, has once again developed also speak on the latest developments regarding EU
a series of guidelines and graphic designs that aim to aid cities policies and programmes in the field.
undertaking campaign activities at the local level. EUROCITIES collaborates with the CIVITAS initiative
EUROCITIES members are encouraged to sign the European Mobility and the organisation of the 2011 event in Funchal
Week Charter and to fill out the online registration form. By doing so, through the support action CIVITAS VANGUARD.
cities are eligible to apply for the 2011 edition of the EMW award and A more detailed programme and call for
follow in the footsteps of EUROCITIES members, Murcia and Riga, who contributions will be published in April.
were among the 2010 finalists.
CIVITAS forum conference:
www.civitas.eu/forum_conference_2011
EMW 2011: www.mobilityweek.eu
Jorgina Cuixart, EUROCITIES project officer – environment &
Peter Staelens, EUROCITIES project officer – mobility: peter.staelens@eurocities.eu energy: jorgina.cuixart@eurocities.eu
Flash 105 April 2011 11