1. EUROCITIES Flash
An information service for EUROCITIES members
N° 103 February 2011
editorial highlights
Celebrating cities!
Delivering the EU’s ‘ambitious urban agenda’
E ver since the
Mayor of
Rotterdam invited The European Commission’s promise of an ‘ambitious urban
other European city agenda’ has the potential to radically reinvent EU cohesion policy,
leaders to discuss but only if it taps into the full capacities of cities and metropolitan
innovative research areas. This was the main message delivered by EUROCITIES to over
on the contribution
800 participants at the Fifth Cohesion Forum 2011, which kicked
of cities to
economic recovery, off on 31 January in Brussels.
the strategic importance of cities in a
prosperous and cohesive Europe has
been increasingly acknowledged. see p. 2
In that 1986 Rotterdam conference
lie the origins of EUROCITIES.
By the time Barcelona hosted a
second conference in 1989, the core
group also included Birmingham, CASCADE: new project on local energy leadership
Frankfurt, Lyon and Milan. Driven
by a shared political commitment to EUROCITIES has been awarded funding to coordinate a new
internationalisation, these cities used project consortium under the European Commission Intelligent
their collective resources to engage
Energy Europe Programme. Starting in spring 2011, the three-
the European Commission.
year CASCADE - Cities Exchanging on Local Energy Leadership
The 1990s saw the creation of the project - will aim to boost the implementation and delivery
EUROCITIES secretariat in Brussels. of local sustainable energy policies by means of transnational
The Commission introduced urban capacity-building activities and the transfer of good practices
pilot projects, then RECITE (Regions
between local authorities.
and Cities for Europe), and later see p. 11
URBAN. Cities were now firmly in the
game.
As the main platform influencing
EU policy on behalf of cities, we
engage right across the policy Hungary and EUROCITIES put Roma high up the agenda
spectrum, from culture to climate,
from innovation to inclusion.
January 2011 saw the presidency of the European Union pass
And as the network has grown,
the opportunities for exchange to Hungary. In the social affairs field, the Hungarian presidency
and peer learning have increased plans to prioritise combating child poverty and the social and
exponentially; indeed the challenge economic integration of the Roma people, a priority which
has often been in organising and has also come more to the fore in EUROCITIES with the recent
channelling these in the most establishment of our taskforce on Roma inclusion.
effective way.
We need, though, constantly see p. 9
to maintain our visibility and
political pressure. For example the
‘mainstreaming’ of urban funding
from 2006 has disappointed: cities are
excluded from the programming and
sometimes also from the benefits of
EU structural funds. thematic sections other sections
Now, 25 years on, we have a new
chance. As the debate begins on
the next EU budget and cohesion Culture p. 4 Key Developments p. 2
policy after 2013, we are once
more vigorously pressing our case. Economic Development p. 5 Projects p. 11
And the commission is listening,
promising an ‘ambitious urban Environment p. 6 Events p. 12
agenda’. Our challenge is to ensure
that commitment remains fully intact Knowledge Society p. 7
while competing interests lobby and
national governments negotiate the Mobility p. 8
final outcome. www.eurocities.eu
Social Affairs p. 9
Paul Bevan
Secretary General, EUROCITIES Participation & Cooperation p. 10
2. Key developments
Delivering the EU’s ‘ambitious urban agenda’
T
he European Commission’s promise of an ‘ambitious urban
agenda’ has the potential to radically reinvent EU cohesion
policy, but only if it taps into the full capacities of cities and
metropolitan areas.
This was the main message delivered by EUROCITIES to over
800 participants at the Fifth Cohesion Forum 2011, which kicked
off on 31 January in Brussels. In her remarks, Hanna Gronkiewicz-
Waltz, Mayor of Warsaw and vice-president of EUROCITIES
(pictured left), said:
“The EU’s 2020 vision for smart, sustainable and inclusive
growth will be impossible without smart, sustainable and
inclusive cities. If Europe wants to be competitive, it must invest
in its cities so that they can perform economically, socially and
environmentally. Cohesion policy is central to making that
happen.”
Today, cities account for 75% of the EU’s population, 80% of
energy use and 85% of Europe’s GDP. Yet currently, only 10% of 1. Compulsory urban earmarking in mainstream
EU regional funding is dedicated to urban issues. Commenting programmes
on this imbalance, EUROCITIES secretary general Paul Bevan 2. A development and investment policy for the whole EU
(pictured right) said:
3. Involving cities at every stage of the process
“In today’s economic climate, we need to do more with less. By
channelling our efforts towards cities - the EU’s centres of human 4. Thematic priorities managed through functional area
capital, skills, creativity, enterprise and innovation - we stand a partnerships
better chance of making our money go further.” 5. Improved financial instruments for cities, not only
EUROCITIES’ view on what is needed to deliver an ‘ambitious managing authorities
urban agenda’ is: As outlined in our response to the commission’s fifth cohesion
report, EUROCITIES’ main message is, and remains, “more urban,
more impact”
EUROCITIES response to the fifth cohesion report: http://tinyurl.com/eurocities5thcohesionreport
Núria Tello Clusella, EUROCITIES policy officer – cohesion policy and EU budget: nuriatello.clusella@eurocities.eu
Frank talk on cohesion policy
On 28 January, EUROCITIES president Frank Jensen, the Lord Mayor of
Copenhagen (left), met with EU commissioner responsible for regional policy,
Johannes Hahn (right), in Copenhagen for an exchange of ideas on the
future cohesion policy.
There was a clear focus on the key role that cities should play in the design
and implementation of future cohesion policy. On behalf of EUROCITIES,
Lord Mayor Jensen emphasised the importance of ensuring that the
commitment of an ‘ambitious urban agenda’ as outlined by the commission
remains intact when member states decide on the final outcome. The
mayor also took the opportunity to inform commissioner Hahn of the new
EUROCITIES task force on the EU Budget, which is chaired by Copenhagen.
Partnerships between cities, private companies and knowledge institutions
towards the achievement of the Europe 2020 goals, were also discussed.
Finally, commissioner Hahn welcomed the will showed by Copenhagen and
EUROCITIES to work closely together during the Danish Presidency of the EU
expected for January 2012.
Vanda Knowles, EUROCITIES policy director: vanda.knowles@eurocities.eu
Flash 103 February 2011 2
3. Key developments
Events
EUROCITIES work programme 2011
C
ohesion policy and the EU budget will straddle many of our
activities throughout 2011 and reflecting the Europe 2020
vision of ‘smart, sustainable and inclusive growth’, we will
to work across our strategic priorities of climate, recovery and • Innovation and smarter government
inclusion:
• Metropolitan planning and regeneration
1. Climate: Under this strand, EUROCITIES’ 2011 priorities
include: • Services and procurement
• Climate adaptation Actions will focus particularly on services of general interest as
well as the Europe 2020 flagship initiatives - innovation union,
• Green growth the agenda for new skills and jobs, the digital agenda for Europe,
• Renewable energies and energy efficiency and smart cities.
• Transport and mobility 3. Inclusion: For 2011, EUROCITIES’ priorities under this
strand include:
Actions will be built around the Covenant of Mayors, financing
mechanisms and potential revenues for city climate action, the • Culture and youth
EU strategy on adaptation and the EU energy strategy, the • eInclusion
EUROCITIES Green Digital Charter and the 6th Environmental
Action Programme, as well as the commission’s urban mobility • Immigration, asylum and integration
action plan and white paper on transport. • Poverty and social inclusion
2. Recovery: For 2011, EUROCITIES’ priorities under this Actions will be built around the new Platform against Poverty
strand include: Europe 2020 flagship, the Youth on the Move flagship, the
• Access to financial investment tools EUROCITIES Network of Local Authority Observatories on Active
Inclusion (NLAO), as well as our Integrating Cities initiative and
• Creative industries Inclusive Cities partnership
• Entrepreneurship and employment
Vanda Knowles, EUROCITIES policy director: vanda.knowles@eurocities.eu
Event discount: The future of cities 2011 Consultation and guides: services and
London | 28 February – 1 March 2011 procurement
Our partnership with this upcoming event entitles EUROCITIES The European Commission has just published two guides:
members to attend at a discounted rate of £474 (about €565)
• Buying social: a guide to taking account of social
instead of £550 (about €656), including VAT. When booking
considerations in public procurement
online, please reference the booking code EUR3C28.
• New guide to help public authorities to provide
The event will look at how the world’s fast-growing urban areas
high quality and efficient services of general interest
are geared up to tackle today’s major and multiple challenges –
economic, climate, resources, infrastructure, and demographics. Both are available at: http://tinyurl.com/67pxv9q
Questions of leadership, citizen participation, and where
powers should lie will be discussed by leaders from major cities, Secondly, a public consultation has been launched on
governments and businesses. The main themes are: modernising public procurement, with a deadline of 18
April. EUROCITIES working group on services of general
• How can cities' innovative energy be harnessed to drive interest will lead work on our response to this important
better urban policies? consultation, which contains 114 questions. There will
also be input from some of the network’s other relevant
• Do national government policies - on the economy,
working groups e.g. social services of general interest,
energy, transport and migration - align well with cities' needs? If
green procurement and entrepreneurship.
not, should decision- making be redistributed?
Consultation on the modernisation of EU public
• Which issues are best dealt with at city level?
procurement policy: http://tinyurl.com/48ozsly
• What fiscal and financial powers should cities have?
The future of cities: www.chathamhouse.org.uk/cities2011
Nicola Vatthauer, EUROCITIES communications director: Vanda Knowles, EUROCITIES policy director:
nicola.vatthauer@eurocities.eu vanda.knowles@eurocities.eu
Flash 103 February 2011 3
4. Culture
“Every city in Europe has to be truly loved as a cultural city”
Interview with EUROCITIES Culture Forum’s lead, Mary-Ann Schreurs from Eindhoven
E
indhoven was elected as the new chair of EUROCITIES Offering an opportunity for colleagues from different cities
Culture Forum in October 2010. Now settling into the post, across Europe to share ideas and experiences, it acts as is the ideal
Mary-Ann Schreurs (pictured), shares her musings on the bridge between our daily jobs to the ‘Invisible Cities’ of the future
future of culture in Europe’s cities. that Calvino wrote about so well.
EUROCITIES: EUROCITIES: So, Italo Calvino shall be attending our next
What do you culture forum meeting?
believe are the
M-AS: Well, not quite! But considering his imaginary trip to
main challenges
non-existing cities, I’m referring to what was his essentially his
for the cultural
ultimate statement of love for cities. A statement he made in
sector in our
1972 at a time when cities were becoming increasingly difficult to
cities?
live in. Maybe because of the financial crisis today, I feel that we
Mary-Ann are going through a similar kind of period.
Schreurs: I like
We have the huge task of delivering at the local level but we
to see this in a
can draw from our cultural entrepreneurs who have the freedom
positive way.
and scope needed to anticipate new trends during these tough
We are facing a
times. Our culture forum is the ‘bank of cultural stories’ that
lot of new possibilities. I strongly believe that technological and
captures concrete examples of
societal trends are rapidly generating new energy for the cultural
city practice. Complemented
sector in our cities. Cultural activities are widening and some are
by policy and research
even migrating from the stage floor, or a wall in the museum,
recommendations that
to a new interface. Both social media and new communities are
highlight the quality of life in
getting involved and mixed up with our local cultural sector. I feel
our European cities, both tools
that linking them can be profitable.
will help us with the most
There is so much happening that needs to be seen, explored, important goal that every
discussed, and to be involved with in a way that’s different to city in Europe has: to be truly
sponsorship. Our EUROCITIES Culture Forum is undoubtedly loved as a cultural city!
the best exchange and knowledge platform in Europe for this.
Give Europe’s cultural policy a boost, says EUROCITIES Forum focus: well-being
EUROCITIES has recently responded to two important EU consultations: one on the future
and culture budgets
culture programme for the period 2014-2020 and another on the European Capital of EUROCITIES Culture Forum |
Culture (ECoC) scheme which will be introduced as of 2019. Turku | 16-19 March 2011
On the first of these, EUROCITIES has called for a strong culture programme that
As one of this year’s European
adequately reaches cities. Our main message is that with the right resourcing, cities are
Capitals of Culture, Turku will
able to maximise the benefits of culture and creativity towards the delivery of the EU2020
host the next EUROCITIES Culture
strategy, which calls for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth.
Forum on 16-19 March.
Among the list of key objectives proposed in the consultation, EUROCITIES has stressed the
The meeting will be divided into
importance of:
two main parts. The first, dealing
• the promotion of urban and regional development through culture; with how participation in the arts
and access to art can improve the
• a better equipped framework for creative industries, culture and the arts; health and well-being of people.
• intercultural dialogue and cultural diversity; and A second session will review how
cities are managing imposed
• access to culture. budget cuts on their cultural
On the ECoC, EUROCITIES has recommended that the future scheme contributes to activities.
‘sustainable integrated urban development’ where culture is connected to other policy Working group meetings, an
areas. In addition, we have asked for greater emphasis on intercultural dialogue, citizens’ informal meeting on the European
participation and culture as part of integrated urban development. capitals of culture, and social
Continuing our advocacy efforts on these fronts, EUROCITIES will take part in the events are also on the agenda.
European Commission’s public hearings on the culture programme, taking place on 16
February and on the future ECoC scheme, taking place on 2 March.
Julie Hervé, EUROCITIES policy officer –
Julie Hervé, EUROCITIES policy officer – culture: julie.herve@eurocities.eu culture: julie.herve@eurocities.eu
Flash 103 February 2011 4
5. Economic Development
New report: European cities facing the economic crisis
O
ver 80% of European cities have been severely affected The survey also shows that cities who had learnt from similar
by the latest global financial crisis, according to a new past experiences, fared better. In fact, those that faced previous
URBACT report. hardship and high unemployment rates in the 70’s were more
prepared to respond to the current crisis.
Based on a survey of nearly 200 cities from 24 EU member
states and Switzerland, the research highlights how European Interestingly demographics also played a part in determining
local authorities have been affected by the various different the extent of impact. Labour markets with high concentrations of
stages of the crisis since 2009, as well as the repercussions of young people, migrants and women for example, were hardest
national austerity measures on local budgets. hit.
Among the main findings, some cities are shown to be more The URBACT survey shows that cities have been playing a major
resilient than others, in particular those characterised by a local role in exploring and dabbling with creative solutions that are
economy based on small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), tailored to their local economies
operating locally and independently from bank credits. An
economy based on the service sector, with fewer connections to URBACT report: http://tinyurl.com/citiescrisisreport
international markets and greater internal demand, were also
cited as conditions seen to lower the impact of the crisis. Soraya Zanardo, assistant to EUROCITIES policy director:
soraya.zanardo@eurocities.eu
Life-long learning strategies Take our survey! Cities, entrepreneurship
and SMEs
Munich | 6-8 April 2011
Life-long learning is key EUROCITIES’ working group on entrepreneurship
to cities’ competitiveness has launched a survey to collect information on cities’
in today’s knowledge- strategies and instruments aimed at supporting
based economy. It’s against entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises
this backdrop that the (SMEs).
EUROCITIES Economic Responses will be analysed and featured in a
Development Forum (EDF) EUROCITIES publication and made available to member
will hold its spring meeting cities with the aim of promoting the exchange of
in Munich on 6-8 April. information and experience. The feedback will also be
Life-long learning is used to elaborate recommendations on the support
essential for the continued economic development of cities and that cities need from European policies and funding to
metropolitan regions, particularly in the context of today’s aging continue strengthening their entrepreneurship strategies.
workforce and increasing immigration of skilled labour whose skills Results will be presented during the next meeting on
need to be adapted. 8 April in Munich alongside the EUROCITIES Economic
What can metropolitan regions do to boost life-long learning? Development Forum.
This and more will be addressed at the EDF spring meeting’s main Deadline for responses: 18 February 2011
conference.
Survey:
Raymond Saller and Sylvia Pintarits, city of Munich: europa@muenchen.de www.surveymonkey.com/s/eurocitiesentrepreneurship
Soraya Zanardo, assistant to EUROCITIES policy director: Julie Hervé, EUROCITIES policy officer – culture:
soraya.zanardo@eurocities.eu julie.herve@eurocities.eu
Metropolitan areas
This new EUROCITIES working group Participants also discussed the results of powerful role of metropolitan areas have
met in Brussels on 2 February to share some European projects on metropolitan to play and to link this to our work on the
experiences with other networks already areas involving EUROCITIES members, Lille future of cohesion policy.
working in the field of metropolitan Metropole, Budapest, Brno and Brussels
The EUROCITIES Economic Development
areas. Capital Region. PLUREL, METROGOV
Forum meeting taking place in Munich
and Nodus, were among some of those
Roger Read, secretary general of on 8 April will feature an update and
projects presented. The exchange aimed
METREX, the Network of European discussion on the activities of the
to identify areas not yet studied by other
Metropolitan Regions and Areas, and metropolitan areas working group, with
stakeholders, which could be taken up by
Hilary Lowson, secretary general of a particular focus on the subject of urban
EUROCITIES.
PURPLE, the Peri-Urban Regions Platform sprawl.
Europe, both presented their network’s In the coming year, the working group
experiences. will develop arguments that illustrate the
Núria Tello Clusella, EUROCITIES policy officer – cohesion policy and EU budget: nuriatello.clusella@eurocities.eu
Flash 103 February 2011 5
6. Environment
Europe 2020 sustainable growth flagship launched
L
aunched as one of seven initiatives under the Europe 2020 As a next step, the commission will make concrete proposals
strategy, the European Commission’s new sustainable for strategies to improve resource efficiency in the various
growth flagship will provide the framework for coordinating policy areas such as the low-carbon economy roadmap 2050,
different legislative and non-legislative initiatives that contribute the 2020 energy efficiency plan, the white paper on the future
to the sustainable use of natural resources and a shift towards of transport, the energy roadmap 2050, and the roadmap for a
a resource-efficient, low-carbon growth in Europe. To achieve resource efficient Europe, among others
this, the commission understands there is a need to make
technological improvements across the EU, to make a significant
transition in energy, industrial, agricultural and transport systems, Michael Klinkenberg, EUROCITIES policy officer – environment:
and to change producer and consumer behaviour within the EU. michael.klinkenberg@eurocities.eu
Consultation: financial instrument for Save the date!
the environment EUROCITIES Environment Forum | Genoa | 27-29 April 2011
Two EU consultations on the future LIFE+
instrument, the Financial Instrument for the
Environment, are still open. Continuing with Covenant of Mayors consortium
The first, more general consultation is organised Following a successful bid, EUROCITIES
by the European Commission to gather views on the will continue to be part of the consortium
next financial instrument for the environment for the contracted by the European Commission to
period 2014-2020, especially its objectives, activities manage the Covenant of Mayors initiative
and support modalities. for the next three years.
Deadline for contributions: 15 February 2011 Over 90 EUROCITIES members are
participating in the Covenant of Mayors,
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/consultations/life.
which commits them to implementing
htm#_en.htm
renewable and energy efficient measures
The second consultation is organised by the with the aim to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 20% by
Committee of the Regions. Its results will inform a the year 2020. As a consequence of our involvement in the initiative,
commission impact assessment of the social, economic EUROCITIES will be in a better position to have a say on the shaping of
and environmental impacts of the current LIFE European financing for cities in the field energy efficiency.
programme.
As part of the new agreement, EUROCITIES will lead the Covenant of
Deadline for contributions: 11 March 2011 Mayor’s media work, organise events, link the covenant to our Green
Digital Charter, manage cooperation with associate partners, and ensure
Consultation: http://tinyurl.com/6jtzqdp that the ‘green’ achievements of cities are profiled in the media.
In addition, EUROCITIES will continue its role as a supporting structure
of the initiative, monitoring the progress of our members’ work and
Prague becomes 90th signatory of facilitating exchanges of information.
EUROCITIES climate change declaration
The city of Prague has Dion Wierts, EUROCITIES project officer – climate & energy:
become the 90th signatory of dion.wierts@eurocities.eu
the EUROCITIES Declaration
on Climate Change.
Consultation: EU energy policy towards 2050
A recent example of
Prague’s action on climate The European Commission is due to present its energy roadmap
change is its long-term 2050 in the second part of 2011. It will follow the already published
conceptual strategic plan communication on the energy 2020 strategy, and the forthcoming
of the capital city. Through this, the city will deliver roadmap for a low-carbon economy by 2050, which will focus on
energy savings, more use of renewable and secondary reductions of 80-95% in greenhouse gas emissions across the EU
energy sources, pollutant emission reductions and economy by 2050.
lower energy costs. In particular, Prague will prioritise The energy roadmap 2050 will present different pathways for
the support of energy management in buildings reaching the EU’s long-term energy policy objectives, such as
owned by the city council. sustainability, energy security and competitiveness.
EUROCITIES will take part in the commission’s consultation on the
energy roadmap 2050 and encourages members to do the same.
EUROCITIES Declaration on Climate Change:
www.eurocities.eu/include/lib/sql_document_card.php?id=8322
Consultation: http://tinyurl.com/5up4fwh
Štěpán Kyjovský, city of Prague: Stepan.Kyjovsky@cityofprague.cz
Flash 103 February 2011 6
7. Knowledge Society
Not to be missed! EU digital agenda goes local
Brussels | 5 April 2011
E
UROCITIES is currently involved in The digital agenda is one of EU2020’s European digital assembly set for
the organisation of a European flagship initiatives that was presented June 2011 and towards the effective
Commission conference on localising by the commission in May 2010. The implementation of the digital agenda on
the EU’s digital agenda, set to take place plan will shape and dominate regulation the local level.
in Brussels on 5 April. and funding in the area of ICT and the
The event marks a first step in a
information society for the coming five
European Commissioner Neelie Kroes process of connecting stakeholders
years.
and other top-level commission officials involved in local change processes and
will be present for discussions with people This upcoming event will aim to: economic/social crisis management,
who are driving local agendas. We’d those with a real awareness of problems
• Investigate how EU programmes
therefore encourage all our member and understanding of the impact and
like the digital agenda can provide
cities’ politicians and managers who are transformative power of ICT, and who are
support to cities in meeting today’s
active in local change and the decision- in a position to take action
societal and economic challenges
making processes in this field to take part
in the event. • Facilitate partnerships between
cities and European partners for a
EU digital agenda: http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/digital-agenda/index_en.htm
Jan Franke, EUROCITIES policy officer - knowledge society: jan.franke@eurocities.eu
Find new partners at open innovation Working groups get busy
and smart cities event The following five working groups will operate under the EUROCITIES
Brussels | 2 March 2011 Knowledge Forum in 2011. If you would like to join them or know more
about their work, please get in touch with the working group leads or
Please join for our ‘matchmaking’ event, which has Jan Franke at the EUROCITIES Brussels office.
been designed to make it easy for cities to find new
project partners and develop projects in the field of Smart Cities: under the chairmanship of Barcelona and Manchester,
innovation and smart cities. this new working group will discuss the conceptualisation of smart
city strategies and policies in Europe and outside European borders,
Organised with the European Network of Living building on work done by the ICT for energy efficiency working group.
Labs (ENoLL) under the European Commission’s ICT
Policy Support Programme 5th call for proposals 2011 Julia Lopez Ventura, city of Barcelona: jlopezve@bcn.cat
on open innovation and smart cities, this event will
EU services directive: this group will deal with the implementation
give you a chance to:
of the EU services directive and compare the different administrative
• Meet with representatives of the ENoLL and procedures and technical processes e.g. backoffice reorganisation,
EUROCITIES network digital service delivery, one-stop-shops, that cities deal with under this
legislation.
• Network with project partners from all over
Europe to develop joint projects Michael Breidung, city of Dresden: MBreidung@dresden.de
• Seek advice from EU funding programme Open Data: recently set up to allow members to exchange experiences
officials and other experts on fine-tuning your project and compare project examples on city initiatives in the field of open
ideas data across the EU. It will build business cases, collect evidence on the
economic and social advantages of municipal open data and stimulate
• Present your profile or project idea(s) for citizen participation and data re-use.
proactive matchmaking
Wolfgang Both, city of Berlin: Wolfgang.both@senwtf.berlin.de
The event will take place on 2 March, in conjunction
with the European information day in Brussels on eInclusion: building on a project of the city of Ghent, the group
28 February, and the 1 March European Commission will set up local indicators and a methodology for eInclusion policy
workshop on open innovation for internet-enabled formulation.
services in smart cities.
Martine Delannoy, city of Ghent: Martine.Delannoy@digipolis.be
Broadband: this group will coordinate work on the role of cities in
promoting, facilitating and financing the roll out of Next Generation
Present your project ideas by 28 February: info@enoll.org Broadband Networks.
Register for EUROCITIES matchmaking event: Dirk van der Woude, Amsterdam: D.vander.Woude@dro.amsterdam.nl
www.eventbrite.com/event/1238936693
Jan Franke, EUROCITIES policy officer - knowledge society:
jan.franke@eurocities.eu Jan Franke, EUROCITIES policy officer - knowledge society: jan.franke@eurocities.eu
Flash 103 February 2011 7
8. Mobility
Transport priorities of the Hungarian presidency
T
he Hungarian Minister for pays principle into transport policy. The feed into the European Commission’s
infrastructure, Pál Völner, outlined Hungarian presidency is ambitiously proposal to revise the TEN-T Guidelines,
the priorities of the Hungarian pushing towards a well-balanced to be published in June. Hungary wants
presidency of the EU (January to July compromise. Whether it will be possible to involve member states in the review
2011) during the last Transport Committee to close the dossier within the proposed and requests that the new network plan
meeting of the European Parliament, on timeframe is however still unclear. While reflects a geographical balance.
25 January 2011. satisfied with the Council agreement,
In addition, Hungary will push forward
members of the European Parliament
The first semester of 2011 will be the single railway package to strengthen
have also expressed their concerns about
mostly dominated by debates on the the competition and efficiency in
exemptions of certain vehicle types and
Eurovignette directive and trans-European transport through environment-friendly
demanded mandatory allocation of the
transport networks (TEN-T). railways. Finally, the newly introduced
revenues to sustainable transport.
’Danube strategy‘ will put the emphasis
The presidency will aim to finalise
The review of TEN-T will also play an on inland waterways and the presidency
the revision of the directive on charges
important role during the Hungarian plans to host several conferences on this
for heavy goods trucks using the road
presidency. A preliminary debate on this theme
network (Eurovignette directive),
will take place at the informal transport
which would introduce the polluter-
council in February. The results will
Vanessa Holve, EUROCITIES policy officer - mobility: vanessa.holve@eurocities.eu
EU mobility and transport: challenges for 2011 Mobility forum meeting
The 2011 work programme of the European Commission’s transport Budapest | 31 March - 1 April 2011
section, DG mobility and transport, includes several initiatives of
Urban transport safety and security will be the main
importance for European cities.
theme of this meeting, which is organised within the
One of the most interesting points relates to the upcoming revised framework of the Hungarian presidency of the EU.
white paper on transport to be published in March, which will lay down
Fears for personal safety and security significantly
the framework of EU transport policy for the next ten years. EUROCITIES
diminish mobility in cities and deter the use of non-
has contributed to EU consultations aiming at shaping the revised white
motorised transport. The use of public transport at
paper and will discuss it at the next mobility forum meeting on 31
night, theft or vandalism (public rental bikes, etc.)
March-1 April in Budapest.
are just a few examples of security and safety issues
Discussions on financial resources within the multi-annual financial in urban transport. This burden of physical harm can
framework 2014-2020 will start in June. EUROCITIES is currently working substantially be reduced by improved infrastructure
on a cities’ strategy for the future EU budget revision within a specific design, traffic management, engineering, education,
task force, where the mobility forum is represented. The mobility forum policy improvement and enforcement, etc.
has also been discussing an internal paper on how to finance urban
The mobility forum meeting will feature a plenary
mobility in the future.
session on the above-mentioned theme, addressing
The 2011 work programme also mentions more specific areas for challenges faced by cities and suggesting solutions via
action, such as the development of a single transport area. The European best-practice exchange. Efficient policies and projects
Commission wants to ensure market opening and fair competition helping to incorporate safety and security issues in
between different transport modes. The commission will also welcome urban transportation planning will be presented by
the principle of internalisation of external costs anchored in EU law and cities and other relevant stakeholders.
continue its work on passenger rights, safety and security.
A politicians’ panel discussion will also be part of the
Regarding transport infrastructure in 2011, the commission plans to plenary session. Politicians will have the opportunity
increase the European added-value of the trans-European Transport to highlight their successes in this sector and exchange
networks (TEN-T). The focus will be on 'core' networks to which cities with a high level representative from the European
belong as well as improved connections with neighbouring countries. Commission (DG MOVE).
For the past two years mobility forum members have contributed to EU
More information will be available on the
consultations on the TEN-T policy review. The forum is also tackling the
EUROCITIES website and sent to mobility forum
impact of cities in TEN-T corridors within one of its working groups.
members soon.
In addition, a strategy on transport research and innovation is on
We look forward to seeing you there!
the commission’s agenda. It will include an e-mobility package and the
possibility of an innovation partnership pilot on ’smart mobility‘.
Vanessa Holve, EUROCITIES policy officer - mobility: vanessa.holve@eurocities.eu Vanessa Holve, EUROCITIES policy officer - mobility:
vanessa.holve@eurocities.eu
Flash 103 February 2011 8
9. Social Affairs
Hungary and EUROCITIES put Roma high up the agenda
J
anuary 2011 saw the presidency of the European Union
pass to Hungary. It is the final member of a presidency
'trio' together with Spain and Belgium, who agreed on a
joint 18-month programme to ensure continuity between the
presidencies.
In the social affairs field, the Hungarian presidency plans to
prioritise combating child poverty and working towards the
social and economic integration of the Roma people, a priority
which has come more to the fore in EUROCITIES with the recent
establishment of our task-force on Roma inclusion.
Other priorities for the Hungarians are family policy and
outlining responses to demographic changes which impact on
employment and economic growth. The presidency sees boosting
employment, enhancing competitiveness and social inclusion as
three interrelated and mutually supporting objectives. Education
for employability and job creation are seen as the central tools tangible, EU measures for Roma integration. Moreover, the
for fighting child poverty and promoting Roma integration. In presidency wishes to formulate and adopt conclusions from the
line with the EU 2020 strategy, the presidency wishes to work council of the EU on the European platform against poverty, one
towards growth and employment, in order to preserve the of the flagship initiatives of the ‘Europe 2020’ strategy. It also
European social model. intends to contribute to setting EU priorities in the fight against
poverty for the coming years and will also organise the 10th
Concrete plans include the adoption of the EU framework on meeting of people experiencing poverty
national Roma integration strategies, together with developing
Dirk Gebhardt, EUROCITIES programme officer - social affairs: dirk.gebhardt@eurocities.eu
Cities' knowledge of active inclusion policies New report:
future housing policy in the EU
The latest EUROCITIES-NLAO
study on cities and active As part of the European Housing Forum 2010 lecture
inclusion is now available. series, EUROCITIES hosted the talk on ‘gentrification vs
working class neighbourhoods: which urban future for
The publication analyses the
Europe,’ where expert speakers discussed the design of EU
findings of a 2010 survey on cities’ knowledge regarding active
policies and their implications for national housing policies.
inclusion policies in the EU. It also includes the views from a focus
group comprised of representatives from the ten Local Authority The main points developed from the lecture series are as
Observatories (LAOs). follows:
The main findings from the study are as follows: 1. The EU should encourage the collection of data on
housing and support mutual learning;
• Cities are aware, and have some knowledge, of the
European active inclusion strategy but are not very familiar with 2. Under the EU2020 strategy framework to reduce
the details; poverty, housing needs particular examination;
• The European active inclusion strategy is in line with cities’ 3. To improve the energy efficiency of Europe’s
priorities on social inclusion; housing stock, financial incentives for homeowners,
tenants and landlords need to be considered;
• The European active inclusion strategy has the potential to
add value to local level strategies for social inclusion; 4. Population ageing and its consequences for
housing should be addressed; and
• Implementing active inclusion strategies at local level is of
fundamental importance for social and territorial cohesion; and 5. Employment policies should be used to reduce
social segregation through the structural funds.
• Cities have an important role to play in developing and
implementing active inclusion strategies, which the EUROCITIES- Download the full report from the Inclusive Cities
NLAO is committed to. website.
EUROCITIES-NLAO study: www.eurocities-nlao.eu Inclusive Cities: www.inclusivecities.eu
Mirte Kortbeek, EUROCITIES social policy researcher – NLAO: Caroline Greene, EUROCITIES communications officer – social affairs:
mirte.kortbeek@eurocities.eu caroline.greene@eurocities.eu
Flash 103 February 2011 9
10. Cooperation
Events
Fostering cross-border cooperation
D
iscussions held among city representatives from At this latest meeting, representatives from Lille-Kortrijk-
EUROCITIES, the European Commission and the Committee Tournai and the Eurodistrict Strasbourg-Ortenau EGTC presented
of the Regions in January 2011 have revealed a range of their respectives EGTCs, focusing on issues such as the EGTC
issues related to the current regulation of the European Grouping staff status, the revision of the EGTC statutes, as well as the
of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC). participation and cooperation of all competent authorities.
The EGTC is an innovative tool designed to facilitate integrated Participants agreed that the actions and involvement of local
territorial cooperation. It shows how proactive local authorities authorities must be fostered and encouraged by the commission’s
can work together to improve the daily life of citizens within and forthcoming revision of the EGTC regulation
across their administrations.
Soraya Zanardo, assistant to EUROCITIES policy director: soraya.zanardo@eurocities.eu
New budget task force gets down to business
One of EUROCITIES newest groupings, our EU budget task force had its first
meeting of the year in Brussels on 27 January to discuss the network’s position on
the EU budget review.
Chaired by the city of Copenhagen, currently EUROCITIES president, the task
force comprises members of all our forums and executive committee, allowing for
a cross-sectoral overview.
EUROCITIES’ position on the EU budget review will focus on the principles, as
opposed to sectoral policies, that should guide the future budget. That’s to say,
the taskforce will deal with the strategic shape of the EU budget that should
allow local authorities to meet Europe 2020 targets as well as other challenges.
Núria Tello Clusella, EUROCITIES policy officer – cohesion policy and EU budget: nuriatello.clusella@eurocities.eu
National identity: Save the date!
a building block for branding? EUROCITIES cooperation platform 2011
Gothenburg | 16-17 February 2011 Bordeaux | 19-20 May 2011
EUROCITIES' This year’s EUROCITIES from other cities across
working group cooperation platform will Europe.
on branding take place in Bordeaux on
As usual, this year’s edition
management and 19-20 May.
will provide you updates
city attractiveness Now in its seventh edition, on EUROCITIES forums and
will meet in this annual meeting convenes projects, but also information
Gothenburg on all EUROCITIES contact about the new EUROCITIES
16-17 February for officers and provides an website under construction,
discussions on city opportunity for them to as well as an assembly
branding in relation meet, exchange, discuss and to discuss the future EU
to regional and learn from one another. cohesion policy.
national branding
strategies. The The annual event acts as a Registration will open two
meeting will look at ’one-stop shop’ for members months before the event.
how cities can draw upon regional and/or national identities to to get fully tuned into
boost a city brand. developments concerning the
network, as well as to meet
On the business side of things, the working group will discuss with staff and colleagues
and assimilate its members’ expectations for 2011.
Sinéad Mullins, EUROCITIES communications executive:
Anton Cesar, city of Gothenburg: anton.cesar@stadshuset.goteborg.se sinead.mullins@eurocities.eu
Flash 103 February 2011 10
11. Projects
CASCADE: EUROCITIES’ new project on local energy leadership
F
ollowing a successful bid, EUROCITIES activities and the transfer of good
has been awarded funding to practices between local authorities.
coordinate a new project consortium
CASCADE project partners include the
under the European Commission
Wuppertal Institute in Germany, Koucky
Intelligent Energy Europe Programme.
& Partners in Sweden and 19 EUROCITIES
Starting in spring 20011, the three-year members: Malmo, Nantes, Sunderland,
CASCADE - Cities Exchanging on Local Genoa, Amsterdam, Birmingham,
Energy Leadership project - will aim to Tampere, Venice, Stockholm, Gateshead,
boost the implementation and delivery Mannheim, Gijon, Milan, Edinburgh,
of local sustainable energy policies by Amaroussion, Warsaw, Eindhoven,
means of transnational capacity-building Terrassa and Burgas
Jorgina Cuixart, EUROCITIES project officer – environment & energy: jorgina.cuixart@eurocities.eu
EUROCITIES members Murcia Mark your calendars! EPOMM-PLUS events outlook
and Riga shortlisted for Over 2011, the EPOMM-PLUS
mobility award project, which is part of the European
As the Platform on Mobility Management,
coordinator of will organise a number of events that
the European are open to everyone:
Mobility Week • Trainings on mobility
(EMW) campaign, management, in cooperation with the
EUROCITIES is ELTIS-PLUS project, in particular on the
also responsible for managing the EMW theme of sustainable urban mobility
award scheme. This rewards cities that plans and mobility management; and
have developed an ambitious programme
of activities and implemented effective • National workshops in each of the network initiators country, which are
measures to make their transport system the 13 countries partners of the EPOMM-PLUS project that will build up a national
more sustainable. network on mobility management. The next workshops planned are scheduled
for:
On 18 January 2011, the EMW award
jury met in Brussels to decide on the - 18 February 2011 in Budapest, Hungary, on bike sharing schemes
ten best applications for the EMW 2010
- 25 March 2011 in Turin, Italy
award, including three finalists. The
meeting was co-chaired by European - Spring 2011 in Slovenia and Bulgaria
Commission representatives Magda
Kopzcynska and Robert Konrad, joined by Updates on these meetings and trainings will be listed on the EPOMM website.
other jury members, Heather Allen from
the International Association of Public EPOMM: www.epomm.eu
Transport (UITP), Pamela Weir, Vincent
Melanie Leroy, EUROCITIES project officer - mobility management: melanie.leroy@eurocities.eu
Leiner and Dudley Curtis from the European
Commission and Sebastian Bamberg from
the University of Bielefeld.
Upcoming CIVITAS trainings for mobility practitioners
In addition to the city of Almada,
The CIVITAS initiative is organising the following three trainings for EUROCITIES
EUROCITIES members Murcia and Riga
members and other interested cities:
achieved the highest scores, while the
cities of Budapest, Eindhoven, Gavle, Leon, • Social marketing in mobility management: Toulouse | 17-18 May 2011
Östersund, Reutte, and Zagreb were ranked
• Holistic thinking for better cities: integrating transport and land use
in the top 10.
planning: Bucharest | 26-27 May 2011
The winning city will be announced
• Clean Vehicles and Fuels: San Sebastian | 16-17 June 2011
at an award ceremony in Brussels on 14
March 2011 as part of two-days training EUROCITIES collaborates with the CIVITAS initiative and the organisation of
on effective campaigning, fundraising and these trainings through the support action CIVITAS VANGUARD.
sponsorship organized for national and local
EMW coordinators.
Official announcements and agendas will be available at: www.civitas.eu
Peter Staelens, EUROCITIES project officer – Jorgina Cuixart, EUROCITIES project officer – environment & energy:
mobility: peter.staelens@eurocities.eu jorgina.cuixart@eurocities.eu
Flash 103 February 2011 11
13. Cooperation Platform 2011
SAVE THE DATE !!
BORDEAUX – May 19-20
French's 6th largest urban area with 715.000 inhabitants / 80.000 students
International airport with direct links to many European cities
A successful urban regeneration based on an integrated approach
We hope to welcome you in May 2011 !
www.bordeaux.fr
