Working Party on Urban Statistics Luxembourg, 9th-10th December 1999 EUROPEAN COMMISSION DIRECTORATE-GENERAL REGIONAL POLICY Formulation of regional policies Coordination of Community initiatives, urban issues and the Urban Initiative, coordination of measures under Article 10 of the ERDF Regulation Working Party on Urban Statistics Luxembourg, 9th-10th December 1999 The European Needs for Urban Statistics Mireille Grubert g/mgr/exposes/LuxUrbanNeeds9et101299

The Context Increasing recognition of the need to incorporate urban considerations into EU policies. Two Policy Papers: “Towards an urban agenda in the European Union”, Com(97)197, 06.05.1997, “Sustainable urban development in the European Union: a framework for action”, Com(98)605, 28.10.1998.

The Context The European Union is highly urbanised. Existing Union policies have an important influence on urban areas. Urban policies suffer from a fragmentation of powers and from overlapping actions.

The context EU is one partner amongst many : Subsidiarity. Limited financial resources. Empowerment and good urban governance are key concepts.

The Context EU can: Render the framework of EU policy more responsive to urban needs. Help in the creation of tools that cities and towns can use to their own benefit. The “urban issue” becomes increasingly international.

Internet Site on Urban Policy at European Commission: The Web Site Internet Site on Urban Policy at European Commission: http://www.inforegio.cec.eu.int/urban

The Framework for Action 5 Leading Principles: Subsidiarity, Integration, Partnership, Environmental sustainability, Market efficiency.

The Framework for Action 4 Policy Aims: Strengthening economic prosperity and employment in towns and cities. Promoting equality, social inclusion and regeneration in urban areas. Protecting and improving the urban environment. Contributing to good urban governance and local empowerment.

Mainstreaming Urban dimension Structural Funds for the 2000-2006: EUR 183 564 million. Objective 1: GDP/inh. less than 75% of EU average, EUR 135 954 million, Urban dimension can increase in Objective 1.

Mainstreaming Urban dimension Objective 2: Areas undergoing socio-economic decline: industrial, rural, urban or fishering activity. EUR 22 454 million. Integrated programming. 18% of total population including: 10 % industrial, 2 % urban.

Mainstreaming of Urban dimension Criteria for Objective 2: Unemployment rate Level of Poverty Deteriorated Environment Level of Criminality Low Level of Education

Mainstreaming Urban dimension Objective 3: Horizontal. Adaptation and modernisation of education, training and employment. EUR 24 050 million.

The Community Initiative URBAN Economical revitalisation, renewal of infrastructure, environmental improvement, EUR 900 million, 116 urban areas.

The Community Initiative URBAN EUR 700 million, Small and medium size cities or distressed neighbourhoods in bigger cities, Quality, innovation, demonstrable ability, Enhance and exchange of experience: up to 2% of total budget.

The Community Initiative URBAN Criteria: Long term unemployment, Low economic activity, Poverty and exclusion, Need for conversion, Immigrants, Low education and skills, Criminality, Demographic trends, Rundown environment.

The Community Initiative URBAN: Maximum number of urban areas to be covered DK: 1 D: 10 EL: 2 E: 8 F: 7 IRL: 1 I: 8 L: 1 NL: 2 A: 1 P: 2 FIN: 1 S: 1 UK: 9 Total: 56

The Urban Pilot Projects (UPP) Innovative Action (Art.10 of ERDF) in urban regeneration and planning. Integrated approach Clear demonstrable ability 1989 - 1999: EUR 164 million for 59 projects.

Know-how and exchange of experience Urban Database: http://europa.eu.int/comm/urban, The European Spatial Development Perspective (ESDP), The 5th Framework Programme for Research and Development : “City of tomorrow and cultural heritage”, LIFE, SAVE, ALTERNER.

Need of information at urban level Need to monitor the progress of urban policy. Need for indicators measured at the urban level. Other urban statistical studies: The “Urban Statistic Database”, “Urban Indicators for the European Union”, Urban environment studies.

Need of information at urban level The Urban Audit. Map-making, Remote sensing: Urban growth, Urban Sprawl, Land use, Economic activities.