1. EUROCITIES Flash
An information service for EUROCITIES members
N° 108 July 2011
editorial highlights
Beyond boundaries
T here is always
a risk that
in pressing the
“Pull together to pull through”, says EUROCITIES
interests of big
cities in EU policy The road to Europe’s economy recovery will be long enough, but
we provoke those even longer without the political involvement of Europe’s cities
representing rural and metropolitan centres. This was the main message relayed by
areas and small EUROCITIES’ president, Frank Jensen, Lord Mayor of Copenhagen,
towns. Indeed regional authorities to European Commission President Barroso at their meeting in
often seem to champion those causes Brussels on 16 June.
to redress the perceived dominance of
their hub cities. see p. 2
But the conclusions reached by
our working group on metropolitan
areas, led by Lille and Oslo, and NiCE new project for EUROCITIES
conveyed in our latest position, remind
us that these divisions are artificial.
There is invariably a strong symbiosis Following a successful bid to the European Commission,
between big cities and surrounding EUROCITIES is taking the lead on a new project that will promote
regions. In fact, this interdependency and support signatory cities of the Green Digital Charter. The
is increasingly recognised through project known as ‘NiCE’ (Networking intelligent Cities for
cooperative governance arrangements Energy Efficiency), aims to help EUROCITIES members fulfil their
that span the functional area; the commitments, made under the charter, to using ICT for greater
‘communauté urbaine’ in France is a energy efficiency.
good example.
see p. 2
Many city mayors nowadays find
it not just expedient, but extremely
beneficial to work with their
surrounding municipalities in fields such
as planning, transport and economic
Brest and Derry join our culture club!
development. In fact, since it is often
commuter patterns that define the The cities of Brest in France and Derry, Northern Ireland - UK,
functional area most accurately, it have joined the EUROCITIES Culture Forum as associated
makes sense to plan on the basis of partners. Among Brest’s cultural priorities are supporting artistic
real economic geography rather than creation and using culture as a tool to broaden education. Derry
arbitrary administrative boundaries, be has made history as the first ever UK City of Culture and will play
they local or regional. host to a year-long celebration of culture in 2013.
All this has profound implications
see p. 4
for future EU cohesion policy, for it is
the metropolitan area, not the wider
region, that should be the focus for
development strategies, coordinating
urban, suburban and rural actions.
This new functional geography also
highlights the key role of hub cities thematic sections other sections
themselves as the key drivers of, and
brands for, the regional economy.
Culture p. 4 Key Developments p. 2
Strengthening these hubs does not
come at the expense of everywhere Economic Development p. 5 Projects p. 11
else. On the contrary. Harnessing their
positive force benefits not only the Environment p. 6 Events p. 12
whole metropolitan area itself, but
also boosts the competitiveness of the Knowledge Society p. 7
region, the nation and Europe as a
whole. Mobility p. 8
www.eurocities.eu
Social Affairs p. 9
Paul Bevan
Secretary General, EUROCITIES
Cooperation p. 10
2. Key developments
Events
“Pull together to pull through”, says EUROCITIES
T
he road to Europe’s economy recovery will be long
enough, but even longer without the political involvement
of Europe’s cities and metropolitan centres. This was
EUROCITIES’ main message to European Commission President
Barroso (left) at a meeting in Brussels on 16 June.
EUROCITIES has been repeating this appeal both to the
commission and EU heads of state since the Lisbon Treaty came
into force in 2009. The treaty signalled a clear ‘upgrade’ of
multi-level governance in the EU, raising expectations of greater
involvement of cities and regions in shaping and delivering
strategic priorities, such as Europe 2020, cohesion policy and the
future EU budget. Two years on however and little has changed.
EUROCITIES president, Frank Jensen, Lord Mayor of
Copenhagen (right), called for a response to cities’ demands
which are long overdue: “If we want Europe to compete globally, to deliver a high
quality of life for all of our 500 million Europeans wherever
“We want a practical partnership with Europe, not a paper
they live, we must invest more in our cities. All of us need
one. We are demanding full recognition of our right of place.
Europe’s cities to really perform - economically, socially and
The sooner we pull all levels of government together to take
environmentally, driving the development of their regions and
concerted action for economic recovery, the sooner Europe’s
countries.”
economy will pull through. We believe our citizens deserve that
chance.”
On EU regional policy, Jensen urged president Barroso to stand
by the commission’s own ambitions to support Europe’s cities Soraya Zanardo, EUROCITIES policy assistant – coordination & governance:
more strongly in future: soraya.zanardo@eurocities.eu
Open days, open doors NiCE new project for EUROCITIES
Brussels | 12 October 2011 Following a successful bid to the supporting city actions in the context
European Commission, EUROCITIES of the Green Digital Charter. We’ll
Following a successful first run last year, is taking the lead on a new project - also organise a series of exchanges
EUROCITIES will this year again organise NiCE (Networking intelligent Cities for and learning activities for cities,
an ‘open house’ for all our members and Energy Efficiency), which will kick off including expert training sessions and
partners on the afternoon of Wednesday 12 in September 2011. study visits to guide cities in executing
October. their intelligent energy initiatives.
Working with our project
If you are in Brussels for the Open Days partners, Clicks and Links, the city Networking and public relations
2011, feel free to drop by our office for of Manchester and the Leibniz events will also be central to the
a coffee and a chat with the EUROCITIES Institute of Ecological and Regional project’s roll-out as we not only want
team of staff. If you want to meet someone Development, we will use NiCE to build on our number of signatories
specifically, please contact that person in to promote and support the but also showcase opportunities
advance to arrange a time. implementation of commitments for cooperation with relevant
Now in its ninth year, the Open Days made by the Green Digital Charter stakeholders. We will also be linking
have become a highlight in the Brussels signatory cities. Over 20 EUROCITIES up with a group of Chinese cities that
calendar, attracting colleagues from cities members have signed up to the are developing similar initiatives.
and regions across Europe. Under the overall charter with a view to using ICT
If your city is interested in getting
organisation of the European Commission to significantly reduce energy
involved, in signing the charter or
and the Committee of the Regions, this consumption and CO2 emissions.
learning more about it, please get
year’s ‘European Week of Regions and Cities’ The NiCE project will run for in touch with Nathalie Guri or Jan
offers a full agenda of events, conferences, two and half years. During that Franke at the Brussels office.
exhibitions and workshops from 10 to 13 time, we will develop a common
October. implementation framework, reporting
So if you’re in Brussels then, be sure to tools and information resources for
come by! classifying, measuring, reporting and
Nathalie Guri, EUROCITIES projects manager: nathalie.guri@eurocities.eu
Nicola Vatthauer, EUROCITIES communications
director: nicola.vatthauer@eurocities.eu Jan Franke, EUROCITIES policy officer – knowledge society: jan.franke@eurocities.eu
Flash 108 July 2011 2
3. Key developments
Events
A winning trio for EUROCITIES 25 - Banja Luka, Heraklion and Novi Sad
E
UROCITIES has named the winning entries for its photo one which shows the role of cities in making the link between the
competition launched earlier this year to commemorate 25 grassroots and the EU.
years of business. The winning photos are from member
All photos submitted will be published in our special 25 years
cities Banja Luka (middle), Heraklion (left) and Novi Sad (right).
photo book, ‘my city – my view’, which we’ll present at our
The trio was selected from over 70 photos reviewed by an
annual conference in Genoa this year
independent jury in mid-June.
We were absolutely delighted with the interest shown by
members in our competition. Many of you launched competitions
and used social media to reach out to young people in your city: Rose Montgomery, EUROCITIES communications assistant:
a truly remarkable effort to engage local people in Europe and rose.montgomery@eurocities.eu
Green cities for Europe’s growth
Europe’s cities stand ready to deliver “While the international negotiations
‘green growth’ by fostering jobs and are moving forward at depressingly
wealth creation while reducing carbon slow speed, it is extremely encouraging
footprints. That was the message relayed to observe how much is going on at
by EUROCITIES executive committee other levels. Cities have huge potential
mayors to EU climate commissioner to involve their citizens and businesses
Connie Hedegaard (left) at their meeting in green growth, to innovate, test new
in Copenhagen on 22 June. solutions and bring them to the market.”
Recognised around the world for Across Europe, cities are demonstrating
pioneering climate action, mayors of the financial and social gains of
Europe believe it both possible and sustainable approaches by creating
profitable for the EU to meet economic programmes in partnership with
needs while advancing environmental universities, technologists and the private
priorities. By concentrating population sector. Copenhagen’s goal to become
and providing the critical mass for the world’s first carbon-neutral capital
innovation in resource efficiency, cities how we live, work and travel. It’s essential by 2025, for example, is supported by
offer the most sustainable form of that the EU and our national governments practical plans ranging across transport,
development for the future. support us more strongly in these efforts.” health, energy, industry and the service
sector.
At the meeting, EUROCITIES president, As of June 2011, the EU’s internationally
Frank Jensen, Mayor of Copenhagen renowned Covenant of Mayors had
(right) said: attracted some 2,700 signatories, local
“Europe will never meet targets for mayors all committed to cutting CO2
climate action and economic growth emissions by and beyond 20% by 2020.
without smart solutions from cities, Referring to the initiative’s success,
citizens and businesses. City mayors are Commissioner Hedegaard said:
uniquely placed to lead this change in
Michael Klinkenberg, EUROCITIES policy officer – environment: michael.klinkenberg@eurocities.eu
Flash 108 July 2011 3
4. Culture
Using culture to re-think the city
A
arhus city’s arts and culture will be pivotal in the coming institutions and connects to wider questions on the independence
years as the city council has applied to become European of arts institutions and the relationship between them and
capital of culture 2017. As host to the latest EUROCITIES political structures. Participants reviewed ways in which cities re-
Culture Forum, it was explained why ’rethink’ has been chosen as evaluate their priorities and methods for structuring, supporting
the overall theme for the city’s bid. and controlling the cultural sector.
‘Rethink’ underlines the multiple global challenges which Finally, a session was held on volunteering in the arts and
require cities to rethink, redesign, reconnect and rebuild on many culture sector ahead of the European Year of Volunteering 2011.
levels - urban infrastructure, transport, energy and resources,
The EUROCITIES Culture Forum will meet again in Antwerp on
climate, cultural co-existence, democracy, diversity, sustainability,
26-28 October 2011 to discuss cultural heritage and democracy.
social polarisation, economic and financial models. Putting this
Particular attention will be paid to the role of young people with
into practice, Aarhus is for example trying to inject new life into
Antwerp being this year’s European Youth Capital
its harbour district with a multimedia library that integrates new
knowledge sharing and open source innovation environments
with traditional books.
As well as learning about Aarhus’s ventures, participants also
discussed the use of cultural mapping and planning to rethink
cultural models in cities and, more broadly, how to use culture to
re-think the future of the city.
The topic also linked up to a debate on cultural governance.
Cultural governance is about the leadership of cultural Julie Hervé, EUROCITIES policy officer – culture: julie.herve@eurocities.eu
Wroclaw selected as European capital of culture 2016 Brest and Derry join our
culture club!
EUROCITIES member Wroclaw in Wroclaw, in south-western
The cities of
Poland has been selected to hold Poland, chose ‘spaces for beauty’
Brest in France and
the European capital of culture title as its bid slogan, with the aim to
Derry, Northern
in 2016. It will be one of two cities create spaces for people to become
Ireland - UK,
holding the title along with one of closer to art and culture, to restore
have joined the
our associated partners, Donostia- sustainable and aesthetically
EUROCITIES
San Sebastian in Spain. pleasing environments and to
Culture Forum
encourage more fulfilling lifestyles.
as associated
partners.
Located at the
westernmost tip
of France, Brest is at the heart of the Brittany
marine cluster. Brest’s priorities are making
culture accessible, supporting artistic creation,
developing forms of solidarity and social diversity,
and using culture as a tool to broaden education
and citizenship.
Derry is the second largest city in Northern
Ireland. In 2010, Derry made history after
successfully winning its bid to become the first
ever UK City of Culture. It will play host to a year-
Under the slogan ’peace and co- long celebration of culture in 2013.
The cities were recommended for existence‘, Donostia-San Sebastian
the title by an independent panel will explore ways in which culture Brest and Derry bring a wealth of expertise and
made up of 13 culture experts. The and education can contribute to experience to our culture forum. EUROCITIES is
competition attracted huge interest building a diverse, pluralistic and delighted to have both on board!
in both countries with 11 applicant peaceful Europe.
cities in Poland and 15 in Spain.
Julie Hervé, EUROCITIES policy officer – culture:
Julie Hervé, EUROCITIES policy officer – culture: julie.herve@eurocities.eu julie.herve@eurocities.eu
Flash 108 July 2011 4
5. Economic Development
Local public services back on the EU agenda – time for cities to be heard
L
ocal public services are the pillars of • whether the introduction of a
Europe’s social model and the basis legal framework on SGIs would do more
of a good quality of life in our cities. to protect local public services.
But under current EU legislation and the
Some members believe that the
new Lisbon Treaty, are local authorities
autonomy of local authorities can only
fully equipped to adapt their services in
be safeguarded through the adoption
response to today’s demographic, social
of a broad EU legal framework. Others
and economic trends? This is the crucial
recommend that it is more efficient
issue which EUROCITIES’ working group
to promote local autonomy by asking
on services of general interest (SGIs) is
for exemptions at the introduction of
looking into. Members of the group
each new piece of legislation, based on
would welcome participation from other
the principle of subsidiarity, which was
member cities to work on this issue of
reinforced in the Lisbon Treaty. commission will eventually propose
local public services, which are at the
heart of a booming local economy. further actions and/or new legislation.
Concerning the European Commission’s
recently proposed revision of state aid From our side, EUROCITIES will meet
At its latest meeting in Munich, the
rules for small-scale services, we are with Michel Barnier, the European
group discussed specifically whether
advocating simplified rules for local Commissioner in charge of internal
current legislation:
authorities and in particular, we want market and services and our working
• sufficiently guarantees the the current obligation of notifying the group will continue to discuss these issues
autonomy of local authorities in commission regarding subsidies for small- at their next meeting in September 2011.
developing innovative local public services scale services, removed. If your city would like to be part of this
that respond to the needs of citizens; work, please contact Marie Ranty at the
By the end of 2011/beginning 2012, the
Brussels office
• provides watertight legal clarity commission will also publish a review on
and understanding that internal market SGIs that should take stock of changes
rules do not prevail over principles of in the different pieces of legislation
Marie Ranty, EUROCITIES policy officer -
public service; or concerning SGIs, as well as rulings from
economic development:
the European Court of Justice. The marie.ranty@eurocities.eu
Creative industries for growing economies
In 2009, Ernő Rubik, one of the ambassadors of the European
year of creativity and innovation offered to European Commission
President Barroso (pictured) the famous cube that he invented.
This cube was conceived especially for the occasion. Since that
year, much has been said on what creativity and new thinking
can bring to Europe. But what do we mean by ’creativity’? And
how exactly do creative industries contribute to the regeneration
of big cities? These questions were at the heart of discussions
held during the latest EUROCITIES Economic Development Forum
meeting in Lille.
Three different site visits showed theory working in practice in
terms of what small-scale creative industries can bring to deprived
neighbourhoods. The site visits featured:
• a cluster of fashion designers at the centre of one of
Lille’s deprived neighbourhood; A panel debate followed with the Vice-Mayor of Eindhoven,
Mary-Ann Schreurs, Councillor Nick Small of Liverpool and Vice-
• a 1930s hospital retrofitted by Japanese designer
Mayor of Poznan Tomasz Kayser, where each highlighted how
Katsuhito Nishikawa that has changed the life of its patients; and
important it is for politicians to take into account the value of
• the presentation of an up-and-coming cluster of digital- creative industries as part of integrated territorial development.
oriented SMEs in an urban brown field.
Focusing on effective instruments that support territorial
The main meeting kicked off with an inspirational speech development, the forum’s next meeting in Warsaw on 24-26
by London-based consultant Tom Fleming, who elaborated on October 2011 will link up to a conference of the Polish EU
the unmistakable link between creative industries and urban presidency.
regeneration, and in particular the snowball effect that creative
people can very often initiate in local economies.
Soraya Zanardo, EUROCITIES policy assistant – coordination and governance: soraya.zanardo@eurocities.eu
Flash 108 July 2011 5
6. Environment
Public sector as a beacon for EU's energy efficiency plans
E
UROCITIES is currently working on its advocacy plan and companies to undergo energy audits and establish national heat
reaction to the European Commission’s proposed directive and cooling plans. Urban spatial plans should support these
that’s been designed to reduce the EU’s energy consumption efforts by ensuring that as much waste heat as possible is used for
by 20%. heating and cooling, for instance by connecting electricity plants
to the local district heating or cooling network.
As forecast in last month’s issue of Flash, the new directive
will as of 2014, oblige local authorities to renovate at least 3% The proposal will now go both to the European Parliament
of public building stock every year to progressively reduce the and Council, both of which will need to work out their respective
energy consumed on their own premises. positions. Should they agree on a common position, the directive
will be adopted and rolled out by member states
The commission wishes to set a precedent with plans relating
to the public sector. Its proposal, for example, features a legal
clause that would require local authorities to purchase energy
efficient buildings, products and services thus producing
additional savings and encouraging broader market uptake. Energy efficiency directive: www.tinyurl.com/64tdzah
Other provisions include more accurate individual energy Michael Klinkenberg, EUROCITIES policy officer – environment:
metering, incentives for SMEs and obligations for large michael.klinkenberg@eurocities.eu
A breath of fresh air Call for applications:
European Green Capital 2014
The European
Commission has started a Follow in the footsteps
welcome review of existing of EUROCITIES members
air quality legislation and Stockholm, Hamburg
implementation in another and Nantes Metropole
attempt towards cleaning by putting your city in
up Europe. the running for the 2014
European Green Capital
According to the
title.
commission, there are
about half a million The initiative
premature deaths rewards cities that are
associated with high air at the forefront of
pollution. And, as the environmentally friendly
world’s population becomes more and more urban, air quality urban living and that can the largest city is eligible to
becomes an increasingly large problem for cities, not least in act as role models for other apply.
terms of traffic management and planning. cities.
Entries are assessed on
That’s why EUROCITIES is taking part in the commission’s expert From a public relations the basis of 12 indicators:
group that is helping to prepare the EU’s new air quality policy, in perspective, the European local contribution to global
addition to our de facto recommendation that will be submitted Green Capital award can do climate change, transport,
on behalf of the network. a lot for reputation building green urban areas, noise,
and city attractiveness. And waste production and
Among our main points, we want to make sure that cities are
in the political context, management, nature and
given scope to do their best to improve air quality with proper
the award shows a rather biodiversity, air, water
support from EU legislation determining national emission
ambitious commitment consumption, waste
ceilings and reduced emissions from individual sources e.g. road
towards environmental water treatment, eco-
vehicles and industrial installations.
improvement and innovation and sustainable
Although the legislation in place has helped contain air sustainable development. employment, environmental
pollution in recent decades, more efforts are needed to improve management of the local
All cities across Europe
air quality, not least in urban areas, where particulate matter and authority and energy
with more than 200,000
nitrogen dioxide are still in some cases excessive. performance.
inhabitants can apply for
The commission’s proposals on the review of EU air quality the title. In countries where Deadline for applications:
policy are expected to be completed by 2013. there is no city with more 14 October 2011
than 200,000 inhabitants,
EU air quality: www.tinyurl.com/6l74jfa
Michael Klinkenberg, EUROCITIES policy officer – environment:
michael.klinkenberg@eurocities.eu European Green Capital 2014: www.tinyurl.com/5sn9qhl
Flash 108 July 2011 6
7. Knowledge Society
Get involved in Local Digital Agenda eXCHANGE
E
UROCITIES has been invited to support a new initiative, Also, as part of the EU's research efforts, Robert Madelin,
Local Digital Agenda (LDA) eXCHANGE, which was European Commission director-general for the EU’s digital
presented at the recent Digital Agenda Assembly on 16-17 agenda and other key officials are planning Europe-wide visits
June 2011. to meet with high-level city officials responsible for ICT and
structural funds. Ideally these meetings should involve the
LDA eXCHANGE is a mentoring programme that aims to
relevant structural funds’ implementing authority. If you are
generate integral sustainable development in regions and cities
interested in inviting the commission to visit your city, please get
by:
in touch with John Doyle, below
1. Helping local authorities develop LDAs
2. Promoting the implementation of LDAs in as many local/
regional societies as possible
3. Encouraging the set-up of an EU-level ‘smart
specialisation’ strategy based on local strengths enforced by every LDA eXCHANGE: Jan Franke, EUROCITIES policy officer – knowledge society:
local authority that is implementing an LDA jan.franke@eurocities.eu
Members interested in playing an active part in this programme To organise a European Commission visit: John Doyle, European Commission:
should contact Jan Franke at the Brussels office. john.doyle@ec.europa.eu
Blue sky thinking: Working group updates
knowledge management in cities
The smart cities and open data presented - Munich (MogDy),
working groups met in Dresden Berlin (Apps4berlin) and
last month for the second time Sunderland (Social Southwick).
since their launch. Members also learned about the
European-wide LOD2 project,
• Smart cities: Maria
which aims to create a single
Serrano from Terrassa
point of access for all public
metropolitan area presented the
sector data relating to public
‘Smart City 2020’ strategy, which
authorities in Europe.
is being implemented in the city
of San Cugat, Spain. This is the Elsewhere, the group
first example from a best practice is piloting a collaboration
series that will form part of the workspace through Quickr. If
group’s work plan and will help you’d like to join this workspace,
Knowledge management is necessary for any city contribute to creating guidelines please get in touch with Jan
to achieve its core responsibility of delivering services on implementing smart city Franke at the Brussels office.
to people. At last month’s EUROCITIES Knowledge strategies.
Society Forum in Dresden, around 50 participants from Finally, the results from the
30 cities gathered to review ways in which the EU Dave Carter, from Manchester EUROCITIES Knowledge Society
services directive could benefit the reorganisation and city council reported back on Forum open data survey, were
knowledge management in cities. the Internet Future Week held discussed. If you haven’t already
in Budapest on 17-19 May taken part in the survey, there’s
UK business policy advisor Laura Danilaviciute 2011. It will be crucial to link still time to do so by visiting the
and researcher Rami-Habib Eid-Sabbagh provided cities’ activities to the European website below.
insights into the implementation of the directive while Commission’s work on future
representatives of Dresden spoke of their experience in Working groups on eInclusion
internet to ensure user-driven
adapting front- and back- office processes. and the EU services directive also
development of platforms and
met in Dresden. All available
applications, he advised.
Participants were also updated on the European presentations and background
SPOCS project on seamless cross-border electronic • Open data: three best material from the meetings are
procedures with a presentation from the project’s practice case studies in creating available from the EUROCITIES
coordinator Dinand Tinholt. open data contests were website.
Forum presentations and material: www.eurocities.eu
(members area)
Implementing the EU services directive: Open data survey: www.nets.upf.edu/pages/opencities
www.eubusiness.com/topics/single-market/be-services
brochure.11/?searchterm=services%20directive Join open data collaboration space on Quickr: www.wsdomino.eurocities.eu
SPOCS: www.eu-spocs.eu Meeting materials: www.eurocities.eu (members area)
Jan Franke, EUROCITIES policy officer – knowledge society: Jan Franke, EUROCITIES policy officer – knowledge society:
jan.franke@eurocities.eu jan.franke@eurocities.eu
Flash 108 July 2011 7
8. Mobility
Intelligent transport for smarter cities
T
he EU’s new €80 million smart cities and communities Congestion, emissions, noise pollution, health effects, land use
initiative launched on 21 June, will provide greater and economic impacts are just some of challenges that every city
breeding ground for ICT-based solutions that respond to must contend with today, and as urban populations soar, these
cities’ sustainability challenges, today and in the future. ICT based issues will only become more pressing. EUROCITIES supports the
intelligent transport systems (ITSs) are central to sustainability commission’s latest initiative and is confident of its potential to
as was shown by the range of transport projects presented to help bring about smarter city transport in Europe
participants at the smart cities launch.
For the most part, the technology needed to create a smart
city already exists. What remains to be seen is the necessary
communication and cooperation between industry, local
authorities and citizens to ensure that ITSs are used efficiently
and as much as possible.
Jan Franke, EUROCITIES policy officer - knowledge society: jan.franke@eurocities.eu
Eurovignette nearing the end EU journey planner in the horizon
of the road
“I want to travel through Europe-wide travel information
The green light has Europe, switching from air to rail and booking much easier.
finally been given to the or sea, to urban or road transport
Eurovignette by a clear The resulting service should
with a single ticket planned and
majority of Members provide details on journey times,
bought online…The technology
of the European fares and booking facilities from
already exists, we just need to get
Parliament who any point in Europe to another.
things started so that millions of
approved the directive It should also offer information
Europeans are able to plan their
on 9 June. regarding the different means of
journey with just a few simple
transport, such as air, waterways,
clicks”.
The new directive rail, road, and public transport,
will allow EU member possibly including bike-sharing
states - who are willing and parking information, and real-
though not obliged - time information for passengers
to tax hauliers for air during their journey.
and noise pollution
costs. Money raised is Both businesses and the general
intended for roads and public are invited to submit ideas
sustainable transport systems across the EU and while and the ultimate winners are to
participation is voluntary it could become mandatory receive financial aid from the
in four years. European Commission to promote
their ideas. Why not call on your
EUROCITIES members can be assured that communities to take up the
This statement was made
congestion charging in cities remains excluded from challenge?
by EU transport commissioner,
the directive, which doesn’t touch the principle of
Siim Kallas, during his recent Deadline for ideas:
subsidiarity.
announcement of a new 9 September 2011
The revision includes an effort to decrease competition ambitiously aimed
congestion through discouraging freight transport at finding the most user-friendly
during peak times, by giving member states the Europe-wide journey planning
possibility to charge higher rates (up to 175% of options.
the average tariff) for a maximum of 5 hours a day.
Currently, it’s not possible to
Member states will also be able to put aside 15% of
book a journey through Europe -
the revenues to improve transport sustainability.
switching from air to rail or sea, to
As regards the next and final step, the EU Council urban or road transport - in one
must approve the new directive before its adoption. single go and online. So with the
launch of this competition, the
commission’s end goal is to create
a one-stop-shop to make access to
Europe-wide journey planner challenge: www.eujourneyplanner.eu
Vanessa Holve, EUROCITIES policy officer- mobility:
vanessa.holve@eurocities.eu Vanessa Holve, EUROCITIES policy officer - mobility: vanessa.holve@eurocities.eu
Flash 108 July 2011 8
9. Social Affairs
EUROCITIES joins first stakeholder meeting for poverty platform
O
n 22 June, EUROCITIES took part in a first meeting of the Launched in 2010, the European platform against poverty
stakeholder group that’s been set up for the European is part of the Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and
platform against poverty. The stakeholder group intends inclusive growth. It sets out actions to reach the EU target of
to meet twice a year to share information, ideas and discuss social reducing poverty and social exclusion by at least 20 million by
policy issues with the European Commission. 2020
During its first meeting, the group representatives, which come
from local and regional authorities, NGOs, civil society and social
partners, were presented with the Polish EU presidency’s concept
of the platform’s main event - the annual convention on poverty
and social exclusion. The presidency is encouraging national
delegations to send a local or regional politician to the first Anna Drozd, EUROCITIES programme officer social inclusion – PROGRESS:
convention taking place on 17-18 October in Krakow. anna.drozd@eurocities.eu
New research: Raising awareness, raising abilities
active inclusion of young people
Participants of the third EUROCITIES awareness raising days
help young people achieve gathered in Brussels on 23-24 June for a two-day training on
their educational and European social affairs policy.
career goals, and therefore Launched in 2009, this annual event is targeted at city staff
contribute to broader local who are new to their position. In particular, it aims to:
and regional economic
development.
The cities are also
shown to prevent the
social exclusion of young
people by taking action
New reports on the against early school
challenges and experiences leaving, empowering young
of cities implementing active people through mobility and
inclusion policies are now entrepreneurship projects,
available. and offering employment
Produced under our possibilities to young people
Cities for Active Inclusion with disabilities through
(EUROCITIES-NLAO) strand partnerships with the third
of work, these latest reports sector.
illustrate why cities are Individual city reports are Bronze statues representing hope located outside the European Commission
prioritising support for youth already available to download Charlemagne building
employment and young from the project website
people’s participation in and an overview of the nine • introduce and develop participants’
society in times of growing studies will be made available knowledge of EUROCITIES social affairs activities and our work
youth unemployment rates. soon. in general;
The reports document • explain how the EU works, its legislative procedures
the experiences of the nine and main institutions;
cities involved in our work on
active inclusion - Birmingham, • outline the benefits of EU funding and how cities can
Bologna, Brno, Copenhagen, apply for it; and
Krakow, Lille Metropole- • give city contacts a chance to meet with each other as
Roubaix, Rotterdam, well as with staff of EUROCITIES.
Stockholm and Sofia. Each of
the cities show that effective This year’s training featured a presentation from Istvan
local policies and practice can Vanyolos from the European Commission’s department for
employment, social affairs and inclusion as well as a visit to
the European Parliament.
Cities for Active Inclusion: www.eurocities-nlao.eu
Caroline Greene, EUROCITIES communication officer – social affairs:
Mirte Kortbeek, EUROCITIES social policy researcher – NLAO:
caroline.greene@eurocities.eu
mirte.kortbeek@eurocities.eu
Flash 108 July 2011 9
10. Cooperation
Events
Good practice guide on integrated urban governance
I
n trying to address the many challenges faced today, cities all stakeholders
have found that sectoral approaches are quite often expensive clarify and agree
and inefficient. It is against this background that EUROCITIES on the definition of
member Berlin, has developed a manual on integrated urban what will be one of
governance. the most recurrent
buzzwords for
The manual stresses that cities shouldn’t simply adopt
the next financial
an integrated approach for the sake of it but that complex
period of the
challenges should be addressed by measures that are tailored to
European Union
local situations and involving local actors.
While the manual does not pretend to be a blueprint on
governance, it does illustrate which approaches are seen to work
in big cities. Case studies are presented from large cities located
both in Europe and internationally. And although for example
the differences are vast between upgrading disadvantaged
neighbourhoods in Medellin, Colombia, and regenerating
Stockholm’s Järva neighbourhood, the integrated method
remains a common thread throughout all.
The new guide was presented at a conference in Brussels on
23 June, where MEP Jan Olbrycht highlighted that there are
conflicting interpretations of what an integrated approach
actually means. At European level, it refers to the combining of
sectoral approaches managed by one single actor and where it Integrated urban governance manual: www.tinyurl.com/3fzd8bd
makes sense. In contrast, the local level advocates involving all
relevant actors in the design and implementation of a strategy Soraya Zanardo, EUROCITIES policy assistant –
for effective integrated governance. It would seem urgent that coordination and governance: soraya.zanardo@eurocities.eu
The Polish EU presidency on ESPON hyperatlas: how does your region compare?
local issues
The ESPON hyperatlas is
EUROCITIES’ working group on governance and now available, providing
partnerships met in Brussels on 6 July to discuss what spatial analysis and
the Polish EU presidency has in mind for profiling indicators for practitioners
local level issues during its six month term. across Europe. The tool
Given the decision-making process and timing allows users to compare
around the design of the cohesion policy post-2013, and analyse their regions’
this topic and territorial development in general, will relative position at
be high on the agenda for the remainder of 2011. European, national and
local levels for criteria
The working group also reviewed EUROCITIES’ such as GDP per capita,
work on the national reform programmes (NRPs), unemployment, accessibility
which involve cities in the design of the NRPs social and ageing.
chapters.
The hyperatlas is available as a web application and allows users
Looking ahead, the group also looked at ways in to design maps based on data selected for comparisons. One of the
which to structure its work to better connect cities downsides is that the latest data available is only from as recent as 2005.
within EUROCITIES and how work more effecitlvey Nevertheless, the atlas successfully shows the importance of territory-
with the EU institutions. based analysis for developing sectoral policies by helping users to draw
comparisons and conclusions from the different economic and social
situations across Europe.
ESPON hyperatlas: www.espon.eu
Soraya Zanardo, EUROCITIES policy assistant - coordination & Soraya Zanardo, EUROCITIES policy assistant – coordination and governance:
goverance: soraya.zanardo@eurocities.eu soraya.zanardo@eurocities.eu
Flash 108 July 2011 10
11. Projects
Events
MIXITIES goes to Ghent
R
epresentatives from cities across Europe were welcomed by
Daniël Termont, Mayor of Ghent on 6-10 June for the first
in a series of peer reviews to be held under the EUROCITIES
MIXITIES project in the coming year.
Peer review visits are a core element of the MIXITIES project
and a valuable opportunity for exchange of practice and
know-how on migrant integration. The Ghent review involved
a series of interviews and workshops held with council staff,
politicians and stakeholders. The city’s commitment to tackling
discrimination was made clear both from their accounts but
also from the views shared by some of the city’s migrants who
volunteered to be interviewed.
As part of the exercise, the city carried out a self-assessment
of its own progress against an anti-discrimination best practice
model, known as the MIXITIES benchmark. Throughout the
process, it became apparent that Ghent, like many cities across
Barcelona, Belfast, Brussels, Copenhagen, Dublin, Florence,
Europe, is grappling with complex challenges and bottlenecks in
Genoa, Ghent, Helsinki, Malmo, Munich, Nuremberg, Oslo,
attempts to advance its anti-discrimination agenda.
Stockholm and Tampere.
The peer review team, led by MigrationWork CIC, a non-
Next MIXITIES peer review:
profit consultancy, presented a series of preliminary findings
Stockholm | 26-30 September | Language and newcomer courses
and recommendations which will be further developed in a final
report to be presented to Ghent in the coming weeks.
The MIXITIES project is co-financed by the European MIXITIES: www.integratingcities.eu
Commission, DG Home Affairs through the European Integration
Ana Feder, EUROCITIES project officer – migration and integration:
Fund. Partners include the cities of Amsterdam, Athens, ana.feder@eurocities.eu
CASCADE – EUROCITIES’ new project on local Sustainable mobility in European regions
energy leadership launched London | 4-5 October 2011
The CASCADE project - cities exchanging on local energy How can we influence the people that matter? What
leadership – is now up and running after a successful launch on mobility management policies are being implemented in our
29-30 June in Brussels. cities? What are the success factors of mobility management
Under our leadership, the CASCADE consortium will design measures? These are just some of the questions that delegates
and deliver large-scale mutual learning actions among will discuss at the PIMMS-TRANSFER conference on 4-5
EUROCITIES member cities. Through a three-year programme October in London.
packed with peer exchanges, study tours, mentoring and PIMMS-TRANSFER is a three-year project, which
national seminars, the project will bring about improvements in promotes and enables the exchange of sustainable mobility
local energy practice. management practices between 14 regions in Europe, and
Already this summer, the project partners will develop a implements innovative projects in mobility management.
benchmark for structuring mutual learning actions, focusing on: The October 2011 event will deal with three main themes,
• energy in urban planning and refurbishment specifically:
• renewable energy sources and distributed generation, • Innovation: both in terms of the project and
including combined heat and power conference; be prepared to tweet in the Twitter lounge, take
part in speed-networking and interactive workshop sessions
• energy in urban transport
• Inter-regional cooperation: speak to and learn from
CASCADE involves 19 EUROCITIES members including like-minded colleagues from across Europe
Amaroussion, Amsterdam, Birmingham, Burgas, Edinburgh,
Eindhoven, Gateshead, Genoa, Gijon, Malmo, Mannheim, Milan, • Ideas: find out about new policies and projects to
Nantes, Stockholm, Sunderland, Tampere, Terrassa, Venice and implement in your region
Warsaw. The project is co-financed by the European Commission,
Executive Agency of Competitiveness and Innovation (EACI)
through the Intelligent Energy Europe Programme.
PIMMS-TRANSFER: www.pimms-transfer-eu.org
Jorgina Cuixart, EUROCITIES project officer – environment: Melanie Leroy, EUROCITIES project officer - mobility management:
jorgina.cuixart@eurocities.eu melanie.leroy@eurocities.eu
Flash 108 July 2011 11
