Regions and cities want the EU Urban Agenda to be a binding process
Local and regional leaders deliver proposals to launch EU i's actions on urban challenges such as migration, social inclusion, SMEs innovation, environment
The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) wants the EU Urban Agenda to be a binding process. EU institutions and Member States should clearly commit to better involve cities in transforming the way the EU's legislation is conceived and implemented, promoting their access to public funding, as well as coordinating on-going cooperation initiatives.
To boost sustainable growth, entrepreneurial and social development, as well as bottom-up innovation in cities, EU institutions and Member States are launching the EU Urban Agenda. The implementation phase will be kicked off on 30 May through the adoption of the "Pact of Amsterdam" by EU ministers. According to the Pact, Europe's main urban challenges will be addressed through a three-year action plan delivered through 12 thematic partnerships.
The CoR has contributed to the shaping of the Pact and will be directly involved in steering the partnerships' work. To prepare the next phase, regions and cities adopted an opinion during the 7 April CoR plenary on “Concrete steps for implementing the EU Urban Agenda", led by the State Secretary of the Land of Berlin, Hella Dunger-Löper (DE/PES).
The CoR's President, Markku Markkula, welcomed the adoption, stressing that: " The Committee actively supported the EU Urban Agenda since its very inception and is delighted that the Dutch EU Presidency has succeeded in finalising the first step of its launch. " According to President Markkula, " The Urban Agenda can help make the EU closer to the actual needs of citizens and to innovate, at all levels, public policies addressing the challenges facing our cities ranging from migration to the fight against climate change, from poverty to smart mobility. "
Ms Dunger-Löper stressed that: " The EU Urban Agenda can make a difference only if it is based on transparency, participation and binding force. The European Commission is best placed for this and should therefore take the responsibility of its implementation, in the person of its first vice-president, who can also ensure the link with the Better Regulation agenda. "
Regional and local leaders are aware of differences in opinion that have prevented the EU from reaching an agreement on the subject over the past few years. They stress that EU policies - including with the EU Urban Agenda - must encourage urban-rural connections and integrated development. Efficient coordination should also be ensured, especially between municipal and regional authorities, so that investment plans are managed consistently and at the most appropriated level.
With regards to boosting investment in urban areas, the CoR recommends the involvement in the implementation of the EU Urban Agenda of the Investment Advisory Hub set up by the European Investment Bank to ensure the systematic use of financing instruments designed for cities.
The roadmap to implement the Urban Agenda will be discussed by EU, national, regional and local leaders on 30 May in Amsterdam at a high-level forum organised by the CoR.
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