Together towards an European Urban Agenda: taking the next step. Riga 19th June Bernice den Brok

Transcription

1 Together towards an European Urban Agenda: taking the next step Riga 19th June Bernice den Brok

2 Table of contents 1. The main principles of the framework, the working method 2. A joint vision of the European cities 3. Make a link with the Territorial Agenda 4. We all have to make the content of the Urban Agenda together! 2

3 What have we achieved since Dublin? Agreement DGs on making an Urban Agenda (Vilnius) MS have chosen themes Workshops (intra EUmigration, urban poverty) Engagement of relevant stakeholders 3

4 What do we still need to do? Formulate a common vision of European cities Explore themes (further) Cooperation with EC and cities Multi-annual agenda ensuring continuity across presidencies 4

5 A European Urban Agenda needs engagement from every stakeholder: contributing from their own role, with a specific added value. European Commission Member states European Urban Agenda Cities Other stakeholders 5

6 The role of the member states in the Urban Agenda Exploring themes with stakeholders Assess and enhance the urban dimension in national and regional policies Address the EC on the urban dimension of priorities, regulations, funds and research Seek cooperation with EC, cities and other stakeholders Making efforts of the MS more effective through multi-annual agenda 6

7 Working method of thematic working groups Explore themes of the European Urban Agenda Research, workshops, etc. Inviting all stakeholders Timespan 1-2 years Working groups Report EU-wide trends, impact national/regional/eupolicy etc. Document with policy recommendations Good/bad practices Discussion about report: content, policy recommendations, further actions Inviting relevant representatives EC DGs DG meeting 7

8 The role of the European Commission EC has own responsibility within process Engaged in framework MS and thematic working groups Coordination of (sectoral) policies of EC DGs with strong urban impact Ensuring continuity of the Urban Agenda as a part of the agenda of the new EC and EP 8

9 Member states: LIT presidency: Start Urban Agenda MS Hellenic presidency: MS framework Urban Agenda Next trio (IT, LV, LUX) theme: small and medium sized cities Time path From 1/2016 onwards: trio with NL, MT, SK European Commission: Formulate next step based on the input from the Urban Forum New EP (mid 2014), new EC (end 2014) 9

10 The principles of the framework (1) Starting point: how to tackle challenges and seize opportunities that cities present to us. Prioritizing themes adressing opportunities (SMART cities) and challenges (poverty) 10

11 The principles of the framework (2) How can cities be supported in contributing most effectively to achieving the EU 2020 goals? EU 2020 goals 11

12 The principles of the framework (3) Integrated approach Governance Social development Economic development Environment Multilevel governance 12

13 A joint vision of European Cities There is a need among member states for a joint vision that provides a strategic framework, guiding principles and objectives for European cities 13

14 I. The city is a powerful, living organism, consisting of social, economic, governmental and physical tissue 14

15 II. A partly plannable, but partly unplannable organism... 15

16 III...where contradictions make things difficult, but also are necessary protecting the vulnerable and stimulating the stronger 16

17 III. where a new balance needs to be found between active citizens and local representative government 17

18 Definition Cities are networks of economic, social-cultural and administrative-politic exchange! Small and medium sized cities can be strong by working together, have a good infrastructure to each other and smart facilities in some cities, have a clever use of larger cities 18

19 Complementarity Expecially smaller cities need to work together: Complementarity is a must, no choice: Every city has his own strenghts Acceptance of the differences New forms of balances Important role of connections between cities Need of good governance 19

20 Challenge: Shrinking population in Limburg, empty buildings 20

21 Goals of shrinking cities/areas - Try to maintain necessary facilities in shrinking cities: - Keep it livable - But do not put to much effort in fighting it, because it s hard to stop Three main objectives: 1 Redevelopment housing, make them more comfortable for eldery, plan realistic, prevent the neclection of neighbourhoods 2. Try to match the facilities of housing to eldery and families but also try to match health care and education to the population and the amount of people 3. Stimulate economical vitality, infrastructure and a good functioning labour market 21

22 Example of a solution: Cross-border cooperation for jobs/shopping/education at the other side of the border (Maastricht-Aken) Policy: Bottum-up approach Regional policies in shrinking areas Multi-level approach: national, regional, local, companies, universities 22

23 Thank you! 23