1. 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

2. 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, ,
“Sustainable urban development in the European Union: a framework for action”, Com(98)605,

3. 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.

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

5. 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.

6. Internet Site on Urban Policy at European Commission:
The Web Site
Internet Site on Urban Policy at European Commission:

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

8. 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.

9. Mainstreaming Urban dimension
Structural Funds for the :
EUR million.
Objective 1:
GDP/inh. less than 75% of EU average,
EUR million,
Urban dimension can increase in Objective 1.

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

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

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

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

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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

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

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

20. 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.

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