European Urban Knowledge Network ‘Linking knowledge, creating urban insight’ Workshop QenC-ERAN / Urban Logement Brussel, 6th June, 2006

The network connects 15 Member States, EUROCITIES and URBACT Launch 27 October NFP websites English website & multilingual search 700 visitors per day > 1400 knowledge documents (end of 2006: 5000 documents) Themes: Urban environment Housing Transport and infrastructure Economy: knowledge & employment Social inclusion and integration Security and crime prevention

National Focal Points- decentralized approach

EUKN- Facts and Figures (May 2006) Newsletter subscriptions 1 Jan. 061 May 06 EUKN newsletter2,4338,082 Brussels Bulletin6,1617,812

Source of practical information Urban restructuring at

Added value: to bridge the gaps between science, research, policy and practice Research information for practitioners Relevant European networks and databases are connected Quality and validation assurance Efficient and cost-effective use of knowledge One stop-shop for the urban professional

EUKN after 2006 (I) 3 main activities: 1. European E-Library for Urban Policy and Research 2. Knowlegde dissemination via National Focal Points 3. Connecting networks

EUKN after 2006 (II) Other activities: Support to EU Presidencies Provide services to other programmes Identification and agenda setting for urban policy

EUKN – political support Wolfgang Tiefensee (Germany, Minister of Transport, Building and Urban Development): “The long-term goal of the EUKN is to extend this pilot project to all Member States from 2007 onwards.” Marino Keulen (Belgium, Flandres, Minister of the Interior, Urban Policy, Housing and Integration): “The exchange of knowledge through the EUKN and the enlargement of the network will benefit Flemish cities.” Bristol Accord (Informal ministerial meeting): Use EUKN to disseminate case studies and best practices

EUKN- political support Catharine Vautrin (France, Minister of Social Cohesion and Parity): “EUKN vient très utilement compléter ces rencontres dans le domaine de l’échange électronique de connaissances et de la mise en réseau des acteurs par le Net.” But unfortunately: Lack of support from European Commission/DG Regio………

To conclude EUKN contributes to cross territorial learning and the development of good practices EUKN is cost-effective