The document discusses the European Union's plans to promote sustainable urban development through regional policy initiatives. It outlines 7 main activities: 1) Incorporating an urban dimension in future cohesion policy by better aligning it with Europe 2020 objectives. 2) Evaluating the past URBAN II program and learning from successful local-ownership projects. 3) Analyzing future challenges for European cities through a "Cities of Tomorrow" initiative. 4) Supporting the URBACT II network of 255 cities. 5) Developing a Reference Framework for Sustainable Cities. 6) Following up on territorial cohesion through programming and policy coordination. 7) Aligning future cohesion policy with the Europe 2020 strategy goals of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth

1. Promoting sustainable urban development in Europe DIRECTORATE-GENERAL FOR REGIONAL POLICY Directorate for Policy Development Merja Haapakka

2. Overview of main activities: 1. Urban dimension in the future cohesion policy 2. Ex-post evaluation of URBAN II 3. Cities of tomorrow 4. URBACT II and Regions for Economic Change 5. Reference Framework for Sustainable Cities 6. Follow-up on the Green Paper on Territorial Cohesion 7. Future cohesion policy – alignment with Europe 2020 strategy

3. 1. The urban dimension in the future cohesion policy (1) Main elements An improved urban mainstreaming Thematic alignment with Europe 2020 objectives A stronger role for cities in implementing cohesion policy A more functional approach to programming

4. 1. The urban dimension in the future cohesion policy (2) Main elements An initiative for bottom-up approaches (local development) Supporting implementation through European networking Complementing grant support with financial engineering instruments, especially JESSICA

5. 1. The urban dimension in the future cohesion policy (3) Next steps Public consultation of the 5th Cohesion Report continues until 31 January 2011 http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/consultation/index_en.htm 31 January - 1 February 2011: Cohesion Forum 1st half 2011: Financial perspectives Summer 2011: Proposal for future regulations

6. 2. Ex-post evaluation of URBAN II Tangible outputs on physical regeneration building the local economy tackling social exclusion strongly integrated at project and programme level Successful projects were built on local ownership, unsuccessful were those imposed from above Crucial role of larger players for the sustainability of the projects Capacity building through URBACT I

7. 3. Cities of tomorrow (1) DG REGIO cities prospective analysis (2010/2011) Objectives Analysing and understanding the future challenges different types of European cities will face Identifying innovative approaches to tackle these challenges Which role could or should cohesion policy play in this respect?

8. Process Involving experts combining foresight and specialist knowledge in specific domains (social, environmental, governance, etc.) Linking with relevant work outside of the Commission (ESPON, other future initiatives at national, regional or city level) Involving stakeholders and highlighting good practice 3. Cities of tomorrow (2)

9. State of play : 1st workshop „Challenges“ on 28/29 June 2010 - Workshop documents available on: http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/conferences/citiesoftomorrow/index_en.cfm 2nd workshop „Models and Visions“ on 25/26 October 2010 3rd workshop „Governance - How to make it happen“ in December 2010 3. Cities of tomorrow (3)

10. 4. URBACT II URBACT currently involving 255 cities from 29 countries in 44 projects and with 5,000 active participants in Local Support Groups Linked with Regions for Economic Change (RFEC) initiative To give dynamics to regional and urban networks and enabling more rapid transfer into mainstream programmes Close cooperation between Commission and Fast Track Networks: Pilots: MILE, URBAMECO 1st call: HerO, UNIC, OPENCities, RegGov, Building Healthy Communities 2nd call: RomaNet Next URBACT II call: end of 2011

11. 5. Reference Framework for Sustainable Cities Commission support for the testing phase Co-leadership with France, BE-Presidency and CEMR Launch event in Brussels March 2011

12. 6. Follow-up on the Green Paper on Territorial Cohesion Series of seminars on Territorial Cohesion 4 key areas to foster Territorial Cohesion: Territorial programming Cooperation between territories Coordination of policies with territorial impact Evidence based policy making

13. 7. Future cohesion policy – alignment with Europe 2020 strategy Smart, inclusive and sustainable growth Strategy for long-term recovery Emphasis on innovation, employment, social inclusion, strong response to environmental challenges and climate change

14. 7. Future cohesion policy - alignment with Europe 2020 strategy (2) Enhancing European added value Reinforcing strategic programming (common strategic framework for CF, ERDF, ESF, EAFRD, EFF) Development and investment partnership contract for cohesion policy Operational programmes the main management tool, contributing towards national targets set in the framework of Europe 2020

15. Thank you for your attention http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/ i