1. Sustainable Use of Energy A Tool to Achieve the EU Cohesion Policy Goals 09.-12.10.2006, OPEN DAYS 2006, Brussels (BE) Jana Cicmanova Project Manager Energie-Cités Association of the European municipalities promoting a local sustainable energy policy.

2. Points to be addressed 1.Linking sustainable energy issues with the EU cohesion policy goals. 2.Presentation of the RUSE operation.

3. « Sustainable energy issues are not an objective or a priority of the cohesion policy but a tool that helps to achieve its goals. » Peter Ungar, European Commission It is essential to find a way how sustainable energy projects could contribute to these priorities! The Structural Funds 2007-2013

4. The 3 European Funds will finance: Improvement of security of supply Stimulation of energy efficiency and renewable energy sources production Clean public transport Transfer of best practice and networking Capacity building in delivery policies&programmes Support of interdepartmental coordination Development of strategies to tackle problems in urban areas Mechanisms to improve good policy&programme design

5. Benefits of sustainable energy projects Improved security of energy supply. Lower expenses for energy - finance stay locally or regionally. Improved air quality (reduced greenhouse gases emissions). Stronger competitiveness of the region. Stimulation of regional development through innovation and job creation.

6. RUSE Operation Redirecting Urban areas development towards Sustainable Energy RUSE

7. RUSE Operation INTERREG III C PROJECT PARTNERS 4 main partners: CZ, LT, PL, SK 10 municipalities or local energy agencies (EU-15) 1 associated city network (BG)

8. RUSE Operation AIM To inform To convince To help… …local, regional and EU authorities to use the Structural Funds to implement sustainable energy projects.

10. RUSE Operation RUSE HELP DESK Project partners from: Czech Republic Lithuania Poland Slovakia offer assistance and advise e.g. on how to design a project and how to apply for co-funding from the SF.

11. More information www.energie-cites.org

12. RUSE Operation Energie-Cités European co-ordinator Christophe Fréring – cfrering@energie-cites.orgcfrering@energie-cites.org Jana Cicmanova – jana.cicmanova@energie-cites.orgjana.cicmanova@energie-cites.org

13. Thank you for your attention! www.ruse-europe.org