1. N° 123
EUROCITIES FLASH
Feb 2013
an information service for EUROCITIES members
A citizens’ recovery New appeal not to cut EU budget
T his is the
European Year
of Citizens. It
needs to be. For
there is little doubt that
the European project
for cities
Our president and mayor of Warsaw,
Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz, has made a fresh
plea to the EU Council not to cut the part of
the EU’s long-term budget that can be used
no longer attracts the by Europe’s cities.
popular support it once did. Europe is
suffering an intense crisis of legitimacy. The multiannual financial framework,
Its distance from citizens is a particular which determines the size of the annual
weakness. EU budget from 2014 to 2020, is set to be
discussed at a crucial summit on 7-8 February
Yet we can see from the United States that 2013 when EU Council president Herman Van
sustaining an effective democracy of multi- Rompuy is confident a deal will be struck.
level governance across a whole continent The mayor's appeal is for member states to
presents real challenges. In spite of the ensure a fairer share of funding for urban
profile of the presidential office there, and priorities and cities from the EU budget,
the massive electoral engagement it entails, because this investment can bring important
the US federal government is widely seen as advantages for Europe's competitiveness in
remote and dysfunctional. the longer term.
This mattered less in times of steady The mayor adds that 85% of the EU’s GDP
growth. But when economies falter, these is generated in cities and therefore they Furthermore, at a time when public
most strategic institutions of government should be receiving a fairer share of the spending is being squeezed throughout
(on both sides of the Atlantic) seem funds available from the EU. Instead, many of Europe and the EU budget might be cut,
incapable of finding effective solutions. Europe’s less populated and predominantly Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz maintains that
agricultural regions are receiving up to five the EU should direct spending where it
Meanwhile city mayors, closest to the times as much funding per capita through makes the greatest and most visible impact.
citizen, are faced with the daily challenges the Common Agricultural Policy compared It is therefore cities, with 75% of the EU’s
of delivery. Their accountability is direct to that which urban areas receive through population, where this ‘better spending’
and immediate. So the more strongly we structural funds. should be concentrated. The opinion piece
can connect the local and the strategic, and was featured in a number of key EU media.
the more we can bring Europe to serve our
citizens’ priorities, the clearer they will see
the salience of the European project.
More information: bit.ly/VqM5QR
Of course there is no greater priority now Dorthe Nielsen, senior policy advisor: dorthe.nielsen@eurocities.eu
than jobs. Europe must show how it can
support economic recovery at the local
level. Our cities have massive potential:
human capital, infrastructure, producers Also in this issue
and consumers, the buzz and capacity for
innovation. This is the ‘smart sustainable Update on procurement and concessions 2
and inclusive’ growth envisaged by Europe
2020.
Second seminar on urban-rural partnerships 4
With the new EU budget under intense
discussion, here is the chance to Culture and innovation meet in Florence 5
demonstrate Europe’s relevance to the
everyday lives of citizens. For 2013 to
Entrepreneurship 2020 action plan 6
be a year for citizens, Europe should be
supporting city mayors across the continent
with serious resources for growth and jobs. Parliament plenary to vote on vehicle noise 7
Green Digital Toolkit: new platform for cities 8
Irish EU presidency: transport priorities 9
Our report on city responses to homelessness 10
Paul Bevan Cities in action: eCopper, Oulu 11
Secretary general, EUROCITIES
EUROCITIES annual report and work programme 12
2. highlights
Update on procurement and concessions
O n 18 December 2012, the European
Parliament’s internal market
committee (IMCO) voted on MEP Marc
Tarabella’s report on the draft public
procurement directive. We had discussed
the report with the rapporteur and shadow
directive on concessions. MEPS backed the
European Commission position that this
directive is necessary. Our position was that
the proposed directive was over-prescriptive
and we argued for a lighter approach, with
the sole obligation to publish concession
rapporteur, and believe the final report notices and concession award notices. Unlike
is quite balanced. Our members welcome public procurement, where there is already
the fact that instead of simply accepting a common approach, services concessions
the lowest bid, public authorities will have legislation is very diverse across EU member
more scope to include environmental states according to different historic and
considerations as well as social objectives, such cultural models. Fortunately the text adopted
as buying from firms with a particular social is far less prescriptive than the text proposed
profile. They also appreciate the fact that by the European Commission.
MEPs expanded the concept of ‘innovation
partnerships’ to encourage innovation: under On both dossiers, the political group
this procedure the public authority states the coordinators are discussing whether to open
minimum requirements but leaves it up to the negotiations with the Council for an early
tenderer how best to achieve these goals. first-reading agreement or to submit the
IMCO reports to a Parliament plenary vote
On 24 January 2013, IMCO adopted MEP
Philippe Juvin’s report on the proposed
Marie Ranty, policy advisor: marie.ranty@eurocities.eu
MIPIM Mayors’ Think Tank EUROCITIES in 2012 and 2013
Our annual report 2012 and work programme 2013 is
Cannes | 13 March 2013 now available. Paper copies have been sent to cities and an
The fifth edition of the Mayors’ Think Tank will take place on 13 March online version is available at the link below.
2013 in Cannes, France within the context of MIPIM, the world’s property
market. This closed-door event for mayors and top political leaders will
focus this year on ‘Local authorities’ perspectives and opportunities
for the next decade’ and ‘What are the measures of attractiveness and
competitiveness?’. Secretary general Paul Bevan will moderate one of the
roundtables.
Following the Mayors' Think Tank, an invitation-only lunch will gather
a selection of corporate end-users and political leaders, providing another
unique opportunity to network, explore valuable ventures and initiate new
business.
For more information, contact MIPIM conferences manager Maud
Chevalier or visit the MIPIM website, below. Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz, EUROCITIES president & Frank Jensen, EUROCITIES
president 2010-2012; courtesy of Christiane Blanchard, Nantes Metropole
Maud Chevalier, MIPIM conferences manager: maud.chevalier@reedmidem.com
MIPIM: www.mipim.com Annual report 2012 and work programme 2013: bit.ly/Yx0lIx
Staff news
Name: Yannick Bousse Name: Ioanna Tsalakanidou
Function: project coordinator Function: project coordinator
Working languages: EN, NL Working languages: GR, EN
Yannick Bousse, who previously completed a Ioanna joined our projects team on
work experience placement in our environment 4 February 2013 and is responsible for
forum and worked as project support officer – mobility, will coordinating CASCADE and developing new projects in the area
remain with us until 30 September 2013 to work on our mobility of environment and energy. She joins us from the Regional Energy
projects EPOMM, CIVITAS VANGUARD and TIDE. Amongst Agency of Central Macedonia/Development Agency of Eastern
other responsibilities, Yannick will be lobbying for increased Thessaloniki’s local authorities in Greece. She holds a degree in
mobility management at EU level for EPOMM, ensuring the environmental engineering and an MSc in built environment. She is
quality and standard of publications for CIVITAS VANGUARD and Greek and speaks fluent English.
communication and dissemination activities for TIDE.
Yannick Bousse, project coordinator:
Ioanna Tsalakanidou, project coordinator: ioanna.tsalakanidou@eurocities.eu
yannick.bousse@eurocities.eu
2 Flash 123 February 2013
3. highlights
New forum chair officers meet in Brussels
T
he new chair officers of our six forums met in Brussels on 24 Other challenges around forum work and meetings were also
January 2013 to learn more about each others’ forums, to discussed, such as how to increase the participation of politicians, how
discuss common challenges and share ideas for the year ahead. to ensure a good geographical representation in all forums, as well
as issues arising from working groups meeting alongside forums or
They identified a set of priority issues that cuts across the separately.
work of a number of the forums, including financing opportunities
for cities, green growth, cultural heritage, (e)inclusion, innovation, The set of recommendations put forward by the previous forum
services of general interest and urban-rural linkages. They discussed chairs in a ‘legacy document’ were considered, and the group
possibilities for addressing the issues together through joint forums or discussed how best to use our communication tools and project work
working group meetings and using virtual networking tools. related to the forums
Vanda Knowles, policy director: vanda.knowles@eurocities.eu
Update from the executive committee Integrating Cities VI
Our executive committee (ExCom) met meeting. Ghent gave an overview of the Tampere | 9-10 September 2013
alongside the newly-elected forum chairs in programme for the annual conference on
Brussels on 25 January 2013. Two new cities 27-29 November 2013 on smart citizens. Our Integrating Cities VI conference will
were welcomed into the ExCom: Barcelona take place in Tampere on 9-10 September
and Turin. The next ExCom meeting will be held at 2013 alongside the international Metropolis
politicians’ level together with forum chairs Conference at Tampere Hall. More information
Members were updated on budget issues, (see box below) on 1 March 2013 in Brussels to follow shortly on the website below.
forum strategy papers for 2013, policy and
project developments. Preparations for the
cooperation platform in Espoo on 16-17 Tara Schneider Appriou, executive assistant: Thomas Jézéquel, project coordinator:
May 2013 were also presented during the tara.schneiderappriou@eurocities.eu thomas.jezequel@eurocities.eu
Integrating Cities: www.integratingcities.eu
Relaunching working group waste
Interview with Håkon Jentoft from Oslo city level with the relevant EU institutions All this sounds very
(pictured): highlighting, for example, the need for promising. Is it possible for
effective waste prevention policies at EU and other EUROCITIES members
Oslo will run for working group chair member state level. to join the group?
at the next meeting on 13 March 2013 in
Nuremberg. What will be the group’s main Absolutely, we always
priorities in 2013? welcome new members!
What will be the focus of your other If your city is interested in
We are looking to revive the group and activities this year? sharing best practices and
once again get city experts involved to share influencing EU waste legislation, you can
best practice and influence EU legislation. Our work has always involved the nominate a waste expert for the group by
The Commission is planning to work on an exchange of best practices for sustainable sending an email to Michael Klinkenberg at
overall waste legislation review this year waste management, including issues such as the EUROCITIES secretariat (details below).
which could have a big impact on cities. waste-to-energy, municipal waste or the use
We’d also like to contribute to future EU of economic instruments to encourage waste More information: bit.ly/Xa0H6V
work on food waste. We’re therefore aiming prevention. We will resume these activities Michael Klinkenberg, policy advisor:
to share our views and experiences from the in 2013! michael.klinkenberg@eurocities.eu
New forum chairs in pictures
Culture: Matteo Economic Environment: Knowledge society: Mobility: Christian Social affairs: Henk
Lepore, development: Nick James McKay, Daniël Termont, Specht, Kool,
deputy mayor, Small, councillor, councillor, mayor, Ghent first deputy mayor, deputy mayor, The
Bologna Liverpool Birmingham Mannheim Hague
Flash 123 February 2013 3
4. cooperation
Second seminar on urban-rural partnerships
Warsaw | 24-25 April 2013
U rban-rural partnerships are high on the
EU policy agenda. Both the European
Parliament and Council would like
would like these urban-rural linkages
to be reinforced in the ongoing negotiations
This is an important opportunity
for policy makers and stakeholders
at European, national, regional
on the future cohesion policy. The reasons are
clear: improved territorial cohesion through
and local level to better understand
better accessibility to services; stimulation the practical aspects of urban-
of economic development and job creation
through stronger integration of functional
rural partnerships and influence
areas; increased resource efficiency; and their implementation in future
better use of land through more developed
territorial governance.
EU cohesion policy and rural a comprehensive OECD study also includes a
In collaboration with the Polish Mazovia
development. desk study on existing evidence
region and the OECD, the European
This follows a first seminar in Metz in
Commission is organising a seminar in Warsaw Programme: bit.ly/10v0xas
November 2012 and is part of a preparatory
on sustainable urban-rural partnership on 24- Video examples of urban-rural partnerships:
action carried out for the European
25 April 2013. It will focus on implementation: bit.ly/WmBbKf
Parliament, which in addition to Soraya Zanardo, policy assistant – coordination
how to put sustainable urban-rural
& governance: soraya.zanardo@eurocities.eu
partnerships into practice.
Cooperation working groups in 2013 2013: launch of the Irish presidency of the EU
This year sees a few changes in the working groups under ‘For stability, jobs and
our cooperation strand of work. Four will remain directly growth’ is the title of the
monitored by the executive committee: Irish EU presidency’s six-
month term, which began
„„ orking group governance: led by Strasbourg (chair) and
w on 1 January 2013. Ireland
Gothenburg (vice chair). It will continue to monitor our has branded itself as a
relations with the main EU institutions. It is also likely country driving recovery in
to work on initiatives relating to the European Year of Europe and its presidency
Citizens and the multilevel governance system being programme will revolve around three main themes:
discussed and sketched out through various projects in the
EU. 1. People-centred recovery, designed to last: Ireland wants to
ensure lasting stability in the EU, starting with a renewal of economic
„„ working group European Neighbourhood Policy and governance. Focus will be on the Banking Union and financial services
enlargement: Vienna, Tbilisi and Beyoglu-Istanbul share reform, coupled with improved economic coordination through the
the lead this year. They will continue to work on cultural European Semester process. In tandem with this, the Irish presidency
programmes of cooperation between EU and non-EU will focus on youth unemployment. Ireland intends to ensure
cities. momentum behind the Youth Employment and Social Investment
„„ askforce on the EU budget: the multiannual financial
t packages and secure agreement on decisions in the areas of health,
framework (MFF), which is the EU budget for 2014 – mobility and education.
2020, should be agreed by member states during the first
2. Investment in job-friendly growth and in Europe’s resources:
quarter of 2013. Negotiations will then begin between
Ireland will push ahead with legislation to promote Europe’s digital
the European Council and Parliament. If successful, these
economy and will pursue a number of measures aimed at SMEs,
should lead to a final agreement by the summer. Our
recognised as the highest-potential growth and employment source
taskforce will monitor negotiations and continue to make
in Europe. Measures will include improved access to credit, public
the case for a budget that promotes urban priorities and
procurement opportunities and research funding. Ireland will play
ensures investments in cities.
a vital part in securing agreement on the EU’s budget 2014-2020,
„„ orking group public services: chaired by Vienna, it will
w which will lead to sector-specific work on areas such as the reform of
continue the ongoing influencing work based on our common agricultural policy (CAP), cohesion policyand the Horizon 2020
position on concessions contracts and state aid. It will research framework programme. Ireland will place particular focus on
also begin work with WG housing (social affairs forum) the potential of Europe’s natural resources on land as well as at sea,
on social housing issues, and with our mobility forum on putting the green economy agenda back on track as an engine for
transport services. It will also continue to cooperate with smart, sustainable growth.
our city experts group on public procurement.
3. Europe and the world: a win-win engagement with EU and global
partners. Ireland will prioritise trade, and work towards opening new
markets, creating new opportunities for enterprise, leading to more
jobs and growth.
Soraya Zanardo, policy assistant – coordination & governance:
soraya.zanardo@eurocities.eu Irish presidency: www.eu2013.ie
Dorthe Nielsen, senior policy advisor: dorthe.nielsen@eurocities.eu
4 Flash 123 February 2013
5. culture
Culture and innovation meet in Florence
Florence | 13-16 March 2013
T he next culture forum will meet in
Florence on 13-16 March 2013 to
discuss 'Living culture - European cities
towards the future'.
We will focus in particular
A second plenary session will include a
keynote speech from MEP Silvia Costa,
rapporteur on the Creative Europe
programme. She will reflect on culture in
the next generation of European funding
programmes (2014-2020) and on the role of
on how cities use innovative culture in local development.
solutions in their cultural The five culture forum working groups will
policies and activities. also meet in Florence at various cultural
locations, to include technical tours. Last but
This can be technological or non- not least, we invite you to join us for guided
technological innovation including, for walks to discover the cultural treasures of
example, social innovation and new forms of Florence.
funding or governance. We would like to hear Call for contributions:
from your city, so please answer our call for Please register for the meeting by 15 February www.surveymonkey.com/s/2RQWD77
contributions by 15 February 2013. 2013 Julie Hervé, policy advisor: julie.herve@eurocities.eu
Parliament votes on Creative Europe
The European Parliament’s culture committee adopted a report to keep them separate. If kept separate, increased coordination and
on the proposed Creative Europe programme for 2014-2020 on 18 cooperation between them would be expected.
December 2012. The report was passed with numerous amendments
and has now been tabled for a vote in the next plenary session. Many of the amendments passed reflect our position on the
programme, referring to the intrinsic value of culture, innovation
The committee voted for Creative Europe to operate as a framework and risk taking, inclusion, mobility of artists and the use of both
programme with separate culture and media programmes operating quantitative and qualitative performance indicators.
under the same umbrella, but with separate objectives. They also
voted to give member states the right to choose whether to merge
the current national Culture Contact Points and MEDIA Desks or to opt Julie Hervé, policy advisor: julie.herve@eurocities.eu
Marseille-Provence and Kosice take over Irish presidency presents culture priorities
as European Capitals of Culture On Wednesday 23 January 2013, Jimmy Deenihan, Irish minister
The opening ceremonies of for arts, heritage and Gaeltacht, presented the Irish presidency’s
the two new European Capitals culture priorities to the European Parliament’s culture and
of Culture 2013 took place education committee.
in January. The festivities in
Marseille-Provence marked the The initial focus will be on reaching agreements on the Creative
start of a year of events, which Europe and Europe for Citizens programmes. Regarding the
will be spread across the whole Creative Europe programme, the minister acknowledged that
region, encouraging visitors and there were certain areas where the positions of the Parliament
residents to explore what the and the Council needed to be reconciled, but was confident that
area has to offer. The ‘Euro- these differences could be overcome.
Mediterranean workshops’
project will focus on cultural He stressed the importance of securing adequate funding for
cooperation and exchange the programme, including the planned financial guarantee facility
between countries in the for the cultural and creative sector, and also of reaching an early
Mediterranean region. clarification on the question of funding, so as not to put the start
of the programme in jeopardy.
The ‘Interface’ project in
Kosice seeks to use the city’s Two further priorities were also presented. Firstly, the need
border location as a platform to progress the proposal for the continuation of the European
for communication, innovative Capitals of Culture programme beyond 2019. Secondly, the
ideas and cultural exchanges. importance of recognising and developing the role of culture as
Events throughout 2013 will a soft power in external relations. The Council is considering a
showcase the city as a crossroads policy debate on this topic and was also keen to stress the success
between east and west and as a of the recent programme of cultural cooperation with China,
place which supports culture and which is to be continued.
creativity.
Julie Hervé, policy advisor: julie.herve@eurocities.eu Julie Hervé, policy advisor: julie.herve@eurocities.eu
Flash 123 February 2013 5
6. economic development
Entrepreneurship 2020 action plan
E uropean Commission vice president Antonio Tajani unveiled
a long-awaited Entrepeneurship 2020 action plan on 9
January 2013. It is designed to support entrepreneurs and the
entrepreneurial culture in Europe.
In the current economic crisis, new and young
„„ econd chances for
s
honest entrepreneurs
after bankruptcy
„„ administrative
simplification
businesses represent a key ingredient for job-rich The Commission also
recovery in Europe. intends to promote
entrepreneurship in
specific segments of the
Almost 40% of Europeans would choose to be their own boss given population: women,
the chance. If this potential could be exploited, millions of new senior citizens, migrant
businesses would be created. populations, and the unemployed.
The plan covers six key areas where action is needed to create an We emphasised many of these points in our response to the
environment in which entrepreneurs can flourish: Commission consultation on the action plan from September 2012.
The Commission and member state governments will implement the
„„ access to finance
proposed actions between 2013 and 2017
„„ upport during the crucial phases of the business lifecycle
s
„„ nleashing new business opportunities of the digital age
u
More information: bit.ly/Trhjdo
„„ asier transfers of business ownership
e Julie Hervé, policy advisor: julie.herve@eurocities.eu
Update from Commissioner Hahn on structural funds EDF in 2013
As the trialogue on the structural funds Nick Small,
regulations between the European Council, Liverpool city
Parliament and Commission continues, councillor and chair
Commissioner Hahn met with the Brussels-based of our economic
regional offices on 22 January 2013 to give an development forum
update on recent developments. (EDF), and Carolien
Gehrels, deputy
The commissioner hopes there will not be further cuts to cohesion policy mayor of Amsterdam
in the negotiations on the multiannual financial framework. If the allocation and vice chair of the
for cohesion policy is reduced, the Commission would have to consider EDF (both pictured),
reviewing the proposed structure of the policy, which currently includes met on 11 January
three categories of regions: more developed, transition and less developed. 2013 to finalise their
2013 strategy.
Negotiations on the structural funds regulations are expected to conclude
before the summer and are currently further advanced than negotiations on The EDF will meet three 2013. The first meeting will
CAP and the maritime and fisheries fund. be in Turin on 10-12 April, and will focus on how cities
can attract investment through initiatives ranging
The Commission is concerned about negotiations on thematic from urban planning through to enterprise policy. The
concentration i.e. the focus of the majority of spending on a few key second forum will be held in Tampere on 17-19 June
objectives. Member states and the Parliament are aiming to include more on open innovation. The third takes place in Glasgow
investment objectives and reduce the proposed level of concentration. The in the autumn, where members will discuss youth
Commission worries this will undermine the effectiveness of the policy, which entrepreneurship.
would have little impact if spread too thinly.
The seven EDF working groups this year are: cohesion
Parliament and Council have reached agreement on strategic policy; entrepreneurship and SMEs; innovation;
programming, which should allow member states and managing authorities integrated urban development; metropolitan areas;
to start developing their operational programmes. The Commission will city branding and attractiveness (previously under the
issue a template for the partnership agreements shortly and is encouraging executive committee); and a new working group on
member states to have a first draft of their partnership agreements ready for international economic relations.
June 2013.
Nick Small and Carolien Gehrels also agreed to
The delegation of funding to sub-regional authorities, including cities, is further involve businesses, universities and research
still being discussed. Commissioner Hahn said the Council and Parliament centres in EDF conferences.
are looking at voluntary measures, mainly due to significant resistance
in member states but also because of a variable capacity to manage and They also agreed to organise a meeting for EDF
implement programmes in cities and other local authorities, irrespective politicians in September 2013, where they will agree on
of their size. Citing the example of Rotterdam managing an urban the EDF political messages for the year ahead.
operational programme on behalf of Utrecht, The Hague and Amsterdam,
the commissioner said they still hope to persuade member states to delegate
funding.
More information: marie.ranty@eurocities.eu
Dorthe Nielsen, senior policy advisor: dorthe.nielsen@eurocities.eu
6 Flash 123 February 2013
7. environment
European Parliament vote on vehicle noise
T
he European Parliament report on the vehicle noise regulation, adopted on 6 February
2013, does not aim to reduce noise levels as much as we had asked for but is more
positive from a city point of view than the initial draft report. After long and controversial
discussions over recent months, the vote on the key amendment on noise limits was
particularly tight, with 307 in favour and 292 against.
In addition to new noise limit values, the Parliament report also foresees
a noise labelling scheme for new cars, a measure we had called for.
MEPs also demand mandatory acoustic vehicle alerting systems for electric and hybrid cars, in
particular to protect visually-impaired pedestrians in urban areas. The new report will be the
basis for negotiations with the Council
Michael Klinkenberg, policy advisor: michael.klinkenberg@eurocities.eu
Improving air quality through the Covenant of Mayors 2013 Ceremony
Year of Air 2013 Brussels | 24 June 2013
In preparation for its proposal
Monday 24 June 2013 has been
on the review of EU air quality
confirmed for the next Covenant of
policy during the ‘Year of Air
Mayors Signature Ceremony which
2013’, the European Commission
takes place in Brussels in parallel
has launched a stakeholder
with EU Sustainable Energy Week
consultation on relevant policy
(EUSEW).
options. We are currently
working on a response, which follows our submission to the High-profile speakers are again
Commission’s September 2011 questionnaire (see link below). expected to attend this fourth edition
of the Covenant ceremony, including
Meanwhile, new research underlines the need for a
presidents of European institutions, European commissioners, MEPs, city
comprehensive policy and effective source policies to tackle air
mayors and other high-ranking officials from the EU, national, regional
pollution. A study by the Commission’s Joint Research Centre
and local administrations.
(JRC) indicates that diesel cars are likely to continue to emit
more harmful gases in real driving conditions than during As the initiative enters its fifth year, the ceremony represents an
the test procedure. The new Euro 6 emission standard, to be opportunity to take stock of previous achievements and anticipate future
introduced in 2014, would therefore not reduce emissions as developments in the context of the economic crisis and the quest for
much as foreseen in the legislation. A new test procedure that growth and jobs.
aims at more realistic results is under development.
The venue is still to be confirmed. More information will be
communicated shortly by the Covenant of Mayors Office.
Air quality review: ec.europa.eu/environment/air/review_air_policy.htm
EUROCITIES response to 2011 Commission questionnaire:
bit.ly/WuwNvW EUSEW: www.eusew.eu
Commission JRC study: bit.ly/VkzUmU Covenant of Mayors: www.eumayors.eu
Michael Klinkenberg, policy advisor: michael.klinkenberg@eurocities.eu Sandra Ramos, project coordinator: sandra.ramos@eurocities.eu
Financing and policy for smart Energy Performance Member states endorse EU
and sustainable cities Contracting webinar water strategy
European environment ministers
Nuremberg | 13-15 March 2013 Webinar | 14 February 2013 endorsed the European Commission’s
Our environment forum meets jointly with Through our involvement with the ‘Blueprint to safeguard Europe’s water
our knowledge society forum in Nuremberg Covenant of Mayors Office, we will be resources’ at their final European Council
on 13-15 March 2013, in conjunction with a organising a webinar with Berlin and meeting of 2012. They underlined that
NiCE (Networking intelligent Cities for Energy the Berlin Energy Agency as part of significant efforts and actions are still
Efficiency) roadshow. See page 8 for more the Energy Performance Contracting needed to preserve and improve the
details. (EPC) campaign. The webinar will be quality of water in Europe, including
in German and targets German cities better implementation of the EU Water
wishing to find out more about this Framework Directive. The Commission will
alternative financing scheme. More work on proposals to achieve these goals.
information on the EPC and the webinar These are likely to affect local authorities’
can be found using the links below. water management.
EPC campaign: bit.ly/QLGvKr
More information: bit.ly/XHx2Qp
Webinar: bit.ly/14qWaSE
Michael Klinkenberg, policy advisor:
More information (members’ area): bit.ly/11pHfGX Sandra Ramos, project coordinator:
michael.klinkenberg@eurocities.eu
sandra.ramos@eurocities.eu
Flash 123 February 2013 7
8. knowledge society
Green Digital Toolkit: new platform for cities
N iCE (Networking intelligent Cities for Energy Efficiency)
launched its Green Digital Charter (GDC) Toolkit to cities at
its second training session on 28 January 2013.
It is an online platform designed to support cities in realising their
GDC commitments. It enables them to browse other cities’ activities,
information and tools, and to share their own; exchange ideas;
monitor the status of their GDC implementation; and compare with
the Covenant of Mayors (CoM) reporting procedures.
While it was originally developed only for GDC signatories, the Green
Digital Toolkit is now accessible to everyone: potential signatory
cities, stakeholders and individuals. It is separated into public areas,
accessible to everyone, and private areas, dedicated to signatories.
Anyone can browse the list of shared tools and activities and access
the reporting and action tools, but signatory cities benefit from
additional features, such as:
„„ haring their own green and digital tools and activities
s
„„ ating, commenting on and collecting the tools uploaded by
r
other cities The Green Digital Toolkit is available through the GDC and NiCE
„„ eviewing and monitoring their activities in relation to the GDC
r project portal, below
and the CoM
Toolkit: www.greendigitalcharter.eu/toolkit
„„ osting questions and requests and exchanging with other
p Giulia Campodonico, project coordinator: giulia.campodonico@eurocities.eu
signatories
Commission sets out digital priorities Joint KSF and EEF with NiCE
2013-2014 roadshow
The European Commission set out its
new digital priorities for 2013-2014 in
and directive;
update EU
Nuremberg | 13-15 March 2013
an 18 December 2012 communication. copyright On 13-15 March 2013, the joint knowledge society
This is its new strategy for increasing framework; forum (KSF) and environment forum (EEF) takes place
broadband investment and maximising accelerate along with the second NiCE roadshow in Nuremberg.
the digital sector’s contribution to cloud
Europe’s recovery. computing The agenda will include a political discussion on policy
through public sector buying power; for smart cities with city examples. Participants will
The strategy outlines a number of launch new electronics industrial also learn about innovative financing schemes being
actions designed to deliver a net gain strategy. implemented by cities.
of 3.8 million new European jobs in the
long-term and an annual boost of €1,500 These new priorities could have an Study visits will take place around Nuremberg linked
per person to EU GDP (around 5%) over impact on city and local authorities, to the implementation of the Green Digital Charter as
the next eight years. ranging from the regulatory part of the NiCE roadshow.
environment for broadband (relating to
Seven priorities make up the broadband infrastructure), cybersecurity The event will also be an opportunity for cities to
new 'Digital Agenda': create a new (KSF now has a cybersecurity working sign up to the Green Digital Charter in front of EU
and stable broadband regulatory group), cloud computing and public representatives and other colleagues.
environment; new public digital digital services through the Connecting
service infrastructures through the Europe Facility. This facility has a The full agenda and invitation will follow shortly.
Connecting Europe Facility; launch a proposed budget of €9.2 billion for high
'Grand Coalition on Digital Skills and speed broadband investment.
Jobs'; propose EU cybersecurity strategy
Green Digital Charter – interested in signing?: bit.ly/WWjFMd
George Niland, policy advisor: george.niland@eurocities.eu
George Niland, policy advisor: george.niland@eurocities.eu Giulia Campodonico, project coordinator:
giulia.campodonico@eurocities.eu
New chair Ghent hosts first forum meeting
The knowledge society forum hosted its first 2013 meeting on 29 January in Brussels: this was also the first meeting under the chairmanship of
Daniël Termont, mayor of Ghent.
It was split into two sessions: the morning session looked at the future strategy for the KSF, particularly for 2013. Participants then heard from:
the European Commission’s Peter Fatelnig about the Commission’s work on future internet public-private partnerships; EUROCITIES project
manager Nathalie Guri on current funding calls; and MEP Maria da Graça Carvalho, rapporteur for one of the EP Horizon 2020 reports, on the
state of play and the EP perspective on Horizon 2020.
George Niland, policy advisor: george.niland@eurocities.eu
8 Flash 123 February 2013
9. mobility
Irish EU presidency: transport priorities
I
reland took over the six-month rotating presidency of the MEPs stressed that the
EU on 1 Janaury 2013. Leo Varadkar, Ireland’s minister for European Commission’s
transport, tourism and sport, presented the following transport proposals on TEN-T
priorities to MEPs at the European Parliament’s transport and CEF should not be
committee meeting on 21 Janaury 2013: subjected to changes that
would affect, for example,
„„ onnecting Europe Facility (CEF) regulation
C the funding available.
„„ evised Trans-European Networks for Transport (TEN-T) guidelines
r
Reporting on the
„„ ourth rail package
f achievements of the
preceding Cypriot
„„ airports package presidency, Efthemios
Varadkar used the opportunity to point out that while in the Flourentzou, Cypriot minister for communications and works, focused
current economic context many member states are not ideally placed on outcomes such as the new tachograph regulation and high-level
to invest in the transport sector, investments nevertheless must be conferences, for example on ICT and road safety.
made.
Over recent months we have contributed to shaping the TEN-T and
They will therefore need to make the best use of CEF dossiers and will continue to follow developments closely during
Connecting Europe Facility funding opportunities. the Irish presidency
Given the clear need to promote, develop and implement new More information: bit.ly/W0gBlD
multimodal and sustainable transport strategies within the EU, Vanessa Holve, policy advisor: vanessa.holve@eurocities.eu
20 years of the single market, SEGMENT seminar at next mobility
20 achievements in transport forum
The European Commission recently „„ reaking down barriers and making
b
published a report presenting 20 Europe’s roads safer
Gothenburg | 16 April 2013
successes that Europe has achieved for
The publication emphasises the
transport after 20 years of the single
EU’s efforts to reduce pollution in
market. The list includes:
cities, for example through the fuel
„„ aising awareness about passenger
r quality directive and projects such as
rights and making jobs in transport CIVITAS, which use an integrated and
participatory approach to change the SEGMENT hosts its final seminar on 16 April 2013
safer
way we travel around cities. from 15.30-17.30 as part of the next mobility forum in
„„ educing both pollutants in cities
r Gothenburg.
and the impact of transport on the
environment Two partner cities will explain how they have
More information: bit.ly/10MuSpX developed and implemented a segmented approach
„„ aking it cheaper and more
m Vanessa Holve, policy advisor: to marketing sustainable transport. Group discussions
convenient to travel across Europe vanessa.holve@eurocities.eu will allow members to discuss segmentation as a
means of promoting behavioural change.
EPOMM awards: apply for the best practice transfer! Over the past three years, SEGMENT has worked
As part of the European Platform on Mobility Management’s (EPOMM) policy on campaigns targeted at people going through ‘life
exchange activities, EPOMM is launching an annual award for the most effective change moments’, such as moving house. Working
policy or best practice transfer in the field of mobility management. with specific groups of consumers allows cities to
have a greater impact than a more general campaign
Many European projects develop their own ways of transferring best practice would.
policies and practices between partners using: best practice databases; toolkits;
training sessions; working groups; and exchange mechanisms. EPOMM has decided More information: www.segmentproject.eu
to assess the different approaches and reward the most innovative and successful Melanie Leroy, project coordinator:
ones. This is an opportunity for winners to disseminate transferred policy, to give melanie.leroy@eurocities.eu
visibility to their projects and to promote the methodology used.
Likely candidates will come from ongoing or completed projects under Interreg Reminder: TIDE call for champion
IVC and Intelligent Energy Europe or others which have achieved a shift in policy
as a result of the approaches they have used.
cities
Two representatives from each winning organisation will be invited to collect The TIDE call for champion cities will remain open
their award at the European Conference on Mobility Management (ECOMM) in until 28 February 2013. Ten cities will join the project
Gavle, Sweden on 29-31 May 2013. Travel, accommodation and ECOMM delegate and receive a subcontract for €21,000 to develop an
fee will be paid for up to a maximum of €1,000 per person. implementation scenario for an innovative transport
measure.
The deadline to apply is 25 February 2013. Use the link below to enter.
EPOMM: bit.ly/XBM8HY
Melanie Leroy, project coordinator: melanie.leroy@eurocities.eu More information and to apply: bit.ly/R4EVSH
Flash 123 February 2013 9
10. social affairs
Our report on city responses to homelessness
N ine of our members contributed to our new report on what
cities are doing to prevent and alleviate homelessness.
Our report concludes that the most successful tool in
preventing homelessness is a well-developed system of
„„ professional social
support to prevent and
end homelessness, which
is crucial to help people
back into independent
living
integrated services. „„ identifying the powers
These services should work together to intervene at an early stage to and resources available
prevent homelessness or to help homeless people find somewhere to to the city to support
live as soon as possible. While the causes of homelessness are manifold change
and local conditions will always have to be considered, there are City strategies include
common aspects of homelessness that are best tackled by a strategic both the integrated chain and the housing first approaches. The
coordinated approach which includes: integrated chain approach supports homeless people in the transition to
independent housing. Housing first focuses on providing stable housing
„„ professional support and advice for people who are at risk of
to homeless people before treating their underlying problems.
becoming homeless
„„ temporary accommodation for homeless people that is geared A challenge for each of the participating cities is the situation of
towards supporting them into independent living and their (re-) homeless people from other EU countries. Cities are confronted with
integration into the mainstream housing market the fact that many EU citizens become homeless but are not entitled
to social services or support. This is an issue that hopefully will be
„„ transitory accommodation with support that helps prepare people addressed at a higher level in Europe
for independence
„„ specialised long-term accommodation for people who cannot live
independently Caroline Greene, communications executive: caroline.greene@eurocities.eu
New publication reveals latest European seminar explores links between housing and
employment and social trends health
Europe is facing high children, unemployed The European Parliament’s
unemployment rates, women, single mothers urban intergroup, together with
declining household and migrants. CECODHAS (the federation of
incomes and growing risks public, cooperative and social
of poverty and exclusion. According to the housing) and the European
The latest edition of report, people are more Public Health Alliance, hosted a
the ‘Employment and likely to find a job in conference on ‘Tackling health
Social Developments in a country where the inequalities through investing in
Europe Review’, published labour market has been housing’.
by DG employment in reformed to make it more
January 2013, confirms flexible. It also highlights The event, held at the European
these and other alarming the positive impact Parliament on 22 January 2013,
tendencies. Last year, of tailoring inclusion presented state-of-the-art research
the average EU national policies to specific country on the link between housing and health. The debate centred on what the EU
unemployment rate situations and population could do to better address the interconnection between these fields.
climbed to nearly 11%, a groups most at risk. The
peak not seen in almost report supports the case WHO-Europe presented the findings from research carried out on
20 years. for appropriate minimum environmental health inequalities in Europe. The report reviewed inequalities
wages. related to housing, injuries, and the environment, with some recommendations to
The analysis reveals a address these. The OECD’s ‘Better Life’ initiative indicated how housing can be an
growing divide within It also proposes important determinant of health inequality and thus must be considered as part
the eurozone, particularly solutions for reducing of a holistic approach to health.
between northern and skills mismatches, such
southern member states. as investing efficiently in Examples from the local level highlighted the health benefits of investing
The latter are worse education and training; in housing and the need for an integrated approach to address issues such as
off in terms of their better spending on active fuel poverty, homelessness and child safety. Representatives from the European
employment and social labour market policies; Commission pointed to a move towards closer EU cross-sector collaboration in
situation. Among the most and creating high-skilled policy and financing in these areas. However, as MEP Karima Delli pointed out, 'at
vulnerable population jobs in growth sectors. the European level we don’t make the link between health and housing'.
groups are young people,
Recommendations on how to break these pre-conceptions were put forward.
These included: gathering reliable and desegregated data, initiating a coordinated
approach between levels of government and across administrations, making the
case for public and private expenditure in quality housing, and targeting those
most in need through dedicated funding and programmes.
Report: bit.ly/W0emzF
Mirte Kortbeek, social policy researcher:
mirte.kortbeek@eurocities.eu Ana Feder, policy advisor: ana.feder@eurocities.eu
10 Flash 123 February 2013
11. city news
Cities in action: eCopper, Oulu
O ulu’s eCopper project was the winner of our innovation award
at EUROCITIES 2012 Nantes last November. The project aims to
build bridges between young people and the police force using
an online chat service hosted by a web platform that is popular
with young people.
the prospect of chatting informally with the police. It has helped to
ease the sometimes strained relationships between young people and
the police, to clarify misunderstandings and to build trust between to
the two parties.
It allows young people to anonymously converse with the police
over issues of common concern, such as moped laws, traffic rules,
personal safety and drug and alcohol use. The conversations are
monitored by a social worker who is in constant contact with the on-
duty police officer using a private microphone.
Chat sessions take place once a week over a two-hour period and
form part of a police and social workers normal workload, thus costs
are kept to a minimum. The majority of participants are between 12 One participant explains:
and 18 and some 2,000 visits are recorded every month. For security
reasons, the workers use verified profiles to ensure that the young
people know they are speaking to the right person. While the service “It is important to have the opportunity to chat
is designed for young people living in Oulu, the nature of the internet with police. Online it is much easier to ask questions
means that many participants are based further afield. and air our concerns compared to face-to-face
The project, which was partially funded by the European Social communication or by phone.”
Fund, has proved successful and the city is making the most of
participants’ enthusiasm by organising real-life meetings, such as at Full case study: bit.ly/Yx4PyI
youth centres or summer camps. When consultations took place ahead Rose Montgomery, communications executive:
of the project’s launch in 2009, some 70% of young people welcomed rose.montgomery@eurocities.eu
Urban accessibility initiatives win Berlin European award
EUROCITIES member Berlin has been out in a sustainable manner and the winning
recognised for its initiatives aimed at city acts as a role model for other cities
improving accessibility within the urban seeking good practice examples.
environment for disabled citizens.
A total of 99 cities from 20 EU member
The city was awarded the Access City states applied for the 2013 award. Berlin was
Award 2013, a European Commission selected as the winner by a jury comprised of
initiative which rewards cities with more experts from the European Commission and
than 50,000 inhabitants that are taking the European Disability Forum. Two runners
exemplary efforts to improve accessibility. up, Nantes and Stockholm, both EUROCITIES The award was presented in front of
members, were also named by the jury. Viviane Reding, European Commission vice
This means making urban living
president, and Erzsebet Földesion, vice
more comfortable for less able citizens, The jury also picked out four ‘special
president of the European Disability Forum,
addressing areas such as the built mentions’ addressing specific areas of urban
on 3 December 2012 during the European
environment and public spaces; transport accessibility. This list includes EUROCITIES
Day of Persons with Disabilities conference.
and related infrastructure; information and member Bilbao for its efforts relating to
communication; and public facilities and information and communication and new
conveniences. Initiatives should be carried technologies. More information: bit.ly/TwF2ZJ
City to City Barcelona FAD award 2013
The City to City Barcelona FAD ('Fostering art and design') award 2013 is open for applications until 28 February 2013. The award
recognises urban transformation processes that have brought about the transformation of a particular city for the benefit of its citizens.
Visit the website below for more information and to apply.
More information: www.citytocity.fad.cat
If you have some news about your city you’d like to share, contact Rose Montgomery (rose.montgomery@eurocities.eu)
Meeting in Brussels?
EUROCITIES offers prices for EUROCITIES „„ interpretation booths „„ special conditions on
meeting rooms in an members. request
„„ projection facilities
ideal location, a stone’s
„„ half day rentals
throw from the European „„ capacity for 75 people „„ complimentary WiFi
accepted
institutions, with special
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Contact and reservation - Olivier Baeselen, finance, HR and office manager: +32 (0) 2 552 08 8 2 meetingrooms@eurocities.eu www.meetingroomsinbrussels.eu
Flash 123 February 2013 11
