1. Regions for Economic Change Conference "Building Sustainable Growth“ May 2010

2. I I Page 2 Rational & Format › The conference purpose was to discuss key themes, to network and to exchange good practices at regional level through cohesion instruments: Political discussion of key priorities In-depth discussion policy challenges and good practice the importance of cooperation and of spreading good practice › Fasttrack meeting on 19 th May with DGs › Specialised thematic seminars on 20 th May – URBACT cooperation programmes (Interreg IVC & Interact & Epsom) › Political forum with keynote speakers followed by › RegioStars 2010 awards ceremony › Specialised thematic seminars on 21 st May Action for Sustainable Growth Challenges and Opportunities Responses & Good Examples from the Regions

3. I I Page 3 Fast track Networks Seminar › Opportunity to take stock of the experience of Fast Track Networks 1 year after (MILE & URBAMECO) › Latest Commission initiatives targeted at Cities › Discussion on fast track process with Commission Services › Policy update from EC re 2020 › General presentations from 2 fast track projects (U1, MILE 3)

4. I I Page 4 Fast track explained › New approach testing best practice for Economic Change › Connecting networks (URBACT & INTERREG 4C) with Economic Development & Social Funds – done along 30 themes; 7 specifically urban & fit within URBACT › 3 Elements 2 way bridge between MA & City Commission Services Support Communication & information spotlight › 10 fast tracks 2 closed 5 in play 3 waiting to start

5. I I Page 5 Regions for Economic Change shaped the URBACT programme › Involvement of MAs › LAPs orientation and implementation › Co-operation between the European Commission and URBACT › PURPOSE Dev exchange and good practice between cities Capitalisation – project & programme level activities Dissemination Develop capacity of policy makers

6. I I Page 6 URBACT › Next Steps Mid Term Evaluation of URBACT II Prep for next TOR for Next URBACT call 2 nd quarter of 2011 › Questions being considered on how to improve URBACT II Make it more demanding or more supportive? Improve linkage of LAPS with Operational Programme in current or next period? How to improve efficiency of LSGs? Capacity building for technicians, civil servants, civil society & elected people? How to keep alive the URBACT community of work expertise?

7. I I Page 7 Common concerns – Fast track observations › Some city partners engage better than others › Difficulties experienced within some cities due to Economic Recession › Challenge for cities to ‘keep’ political support in changing economic & political circumstances › Lack of fit for many between city LAPS and structural funds priorities › Challenge to secure funding for LAPs post project in current crisis › Some ‘convergence’ cities less aware of URBACT process & operational procedures › Different quality of LAPs produced across partners › Some city MAs more active than others › Some cities withdrew due to economic pressures & lack of human resources

8. I I Page 8 Key comments FROM PROJECTS - › Need to address & identify some way to finance LAPs › Projects need to have good information upfront for MAs re the URBACT process -explaining the fast track process and what it has the potential to deliver › Need a mechanism to support good working relationships established between cities › FROM EC - see fast track as an open & good process most likely to extend to other EU programmes › New Instruments: EU 2020 Strengthened Governance, reviewing objectives annually @ EU and into national level. Regional level & social partners engagement Will be country based & thematic in terms of monitoring progress Want members to tie national objectives to members budget priorities (still reflecting on how to do this)

9. I I Page 9 OPENCities › Will have a key role to play at a future Regions for Economic Change Conference: Distilling key learning from OC Presenting key observations and recommendations › Need to consider how OC will engage at this event & who will attend › Ideally a number of partners will attend and present a range of perspectives & experiences