2. page 1 Jc Grisoni The Network : a means for the cities to take up the challenge of an efficient management I. The URBAN France Network : presentation of its structure and results of the projects carried out (2002 – 2006) 1. Running of the Network 2. A brief assessment : a table giving an overall picture of the different projects (2002 – 2006) 3. The URBAN France Network : a tool contributing to an efficient management II. The Network, an essential tool within the framework of a reconfiguration of the urban approach (2007-2013) 1. The new configuration of the urban dimension of the Cohesion Policy in France : what stakes? 2. The URBAN+ Network : guarantee of the cohesion of the urban programmes in order to reinforce the efficiency of management 3. The URBAN+ Network : anticipating the programming period 2007 – 2013 through a sustained monitoring of application procedures. 4. The URBAN + Network : how to organise its running to come up to the stakes of the new programming period ? OPEN DAYS, October 2006

3. page 2 Jc Grisoni Running of the Network A 1901 Act association A common Technical Assistance Programme for all URBAN programmes The representatives from the Local Authorities of the URBAN towns and cities. The Management Authorities for all Towns and Cities French State I. The URBAN France Network : presentation of its structure and results of the projects carried out (2002 – 2006)

4. page 3 Jc Grisoni A brief assessment : a table giving an overall picture of the different projects carried out (2002 – 2006). Seminars, meetingsAssets of knowledge CommunicationCreated jobs 11 itinerant seminars in URBAN cities (gathering approximately 810 participants in total). 2 European conferences associating the URBAN programmes of the other Member states (approximately 400 participants in total). Day of Europe 2005 (150 children at this meeting in Strasbourg). Organization of many meetings with the partners and members of the Network. Participation / oral presentations in more than 60 events. 7 publications, 209 pages in total. 13 seminars working papers. Installation of a true URBAN "community" Synthesis of the final evaluations (2005) Second version of the impact study [ in progress ] Creation and animation of the Web site. 34 monthly newsletters (paper and electronic version). Information leaflets, folders, booklets. Posters, panels, ballpoint pens, scratch pads... Leaflet on the projects " Lisbon Strategy " 3 jobs created and maintained. 10 trainees accommodated since 2003. I. The URBAN France Network : presentation of its structure and results of the projects carried out (2002 – 2006)

5. page 4 Jc Grisoni Gathering of the « best practices »: selection of the best projects and ways of management Active participation in the stimulation to the spending of the ERDF credits (prevention from the risk of automatic decommitment) Intensification of local partnerships Preparation of technical support documents, organisation of exchanges seminars and thematic meetings, etc. The Network, as a national « focal-point » guarantees a global vision The Network, as an interface between the different players (States, institutions of the EU, Regions, urban territories, etc.) The Network, as a tool of European exchange (European seminars) The Network as a key player amplifying the initiatives carried out by the European Commission. The URBAN France Network : a tool contributing to an efficient management (2002-2006) Improving the management of the funds devoted to the urban dimension through an action based on 3 points: Support to the French programmes Exchanges between the institutions and the partners The added-value of the URBAN France Network Emergence of the « URBAN Acquis » concept Emergence of a real « URBAN community » in France. Standardization of the level of knowledge and competences of the experts of ERDF/URBAN. Setting-up of tools : a web site, a monthly newsletter, a inventory of projects, etc. Local emphasis on the action of the EU and on the Cohesion Policy I. The URBAN France Network : presentation of its structure and results of the projects carried out (2002 – 2006)

6. page 5 Jc Grisoni The new configuration of the urban dimension of the Cohesion Policy in France : what stakes? The mainstreaming of the urban dimension in the Cohesion Policy : taking into account the support to cities in the Objective « Competitiveness ». From this point of view, a diversification of urban projects linked to 3 main changes : 1. The possible increase in number of programmes devoted to the urban dimension 2. A change in the shape of these programmes will favour either an integrated approach of economic, social or environmental issues (based on the URBAN II model) or a thematic approach (focused on a particular issue) 3. A change in the characteristics of the urban territories covered by URBAN + : instead of focusing in particular on disadvantaged areas, now, the new programmes will associate them with dynamic and competitive areas. The risks : loss of coherence of the urban dimension of the Cohesion Policy in France, so loss of clarity and efficiency. The stakes : to make the URBAN + Network one of the guarantor of this efficiency of management that will play a key role in the urban French programmes during the programming period 2007 – 2013. II. The Network, an essential tool within the framework of a reconfiguration of the urban approach (2007-2013)

7. page 6 Jc Grisoni The URBAN + Network, a strategic role : guarantee of the cohesion of the urban programmes to reinforce the efficiency of management II. The Network, an essential tool within the framework of a reconfiguration of the urban approach (2007-2013) Integrated urban programmes Developing urban solidarity in disadvantaged areas (more than 10 million of the ERDF funding) Protection and preservation of the urban environment Development of alternative/clean means of transport Economic stimulation of disadvantaged areas Employment and professional integration Struggle against discrimination Dimension of competitiveness and attractiveness Dimension of social cohesion Dimension of environment and sustainable development Urban projects based on topics Encouraging the sustainable development and the regional competitiveness in dynamic areas (less than 10 million of the ERDF funding) Culture promotion Etc… oror oror oror oror oror oror and Cohesion between programmes and urban territories : networking Common issues Common documents on methodological support Setting-up of exchange tool between programmes : forum, hot line, etc.

8. page 7 Jc Grisoni The URBAN+ Network : anticipating the programming period 2007 – 2013 through a sustained monitoring of application procedures. For an optimal management of the funds in the period 2007-2013 : a technical support to the applicants involved in the programme URBAN +, is based on 3 points : 1. Setting-up of appropriate monitoring tools (hot line, forum, etc.) 2. Standardization of application procedures and publication of a methodological guide « The structural funds in urban areas : how to apply ? ». 3. Setting-up of the communication and emphasis on the new applications : web site, newsletter, etc. II. The Network, an essential tool within the framework of a reconfiguration of the urban approach (2007-2013)

9. page 8 Jc Grisoni The URBAN + Network : how to organise its running to come up to the stakes of the new programming period ? TRAINING - INFORMING - HELPING Technical aid / Management - « Group of managers » - « Assessment group » - « Group making easier the carrying-out of the programme » - Others … URBACT + Setting-up of the new Network Anticipating Methodological and technical support Training Creation of a frame of reference for experts and players in this field Technical aid / Animation - Exchanging and sharing of experiences - Capitalization of skills - Information / communication - An Intermediary and an interface with the European Commission - Others … Technical aid / People in charge of the projects - Permanent forum of exchanges - Seminars to share experiences - Animation - Others … French over-seas departments and territories II. The Network, an essential tool within the framework of a reconfiguration of the urban approach (2007-2013)

10. page 9 Jc Grisoni Thank you for your attention