Cooperation between European and Asian towns on urban sustainability Lambert van Nistelrooij Member of the European Parliament, EPP- Group/CDA Vice president URBAN Intergroup 28 March 2011 House of the Dutch Provinces

A cross-parties and cross-committees grouping with a horizontal approach to discus urban related issues, without any strong connection to one specific political group, parliamentary committee or partner. Was set up and worked successfully in the parliamentary term to ensure that urban related problems are reflected in European Parliament’s decisions. Main aim: –To monitor the legislative and non-legislative work of EP’s committees on urban related issues –To work on common EU strategies –To put urban needs on the agenda of EU policies –To be actively involved in the preparation of EU legislation –To constantly stay in contact with partners and practitioners –To inform about realisation of EU policies on the ground Urban Intergroup

EU urban policy Over 70% of Europe’s population lives in urban areas. Towns and cities are increasingly seen as the engines driving national and regional economies; however, at the same time many problems of social or environmental nature lay in urban areas. According to the subsidiarity principle, urban policy is not an EU competence. Nevertheless, about three quarters of the EU legislation is implemented at local and regional levels and has a direct impact on Europe’s towns and cities. “We will continue this work in future - - urban issues are increasingly important in the EU policies.” (Jan Olbrycht, president of the Urban intergroup)

"Toledo Declaration" Adopted at the Informal Council of Ministers on urban development held in Toledo on 22 June 2010 It meant an agreement to commitments and aims towards promoting integrated urban regeneration as key to smart, sustainable and socially inclusive urban development. Furthermore, commitment to strengthen the urban dimension of EU cohesion policy. It must be a “political priority”. For the signatories, this means greater involvement by cities in shaping and implementing future operational programmes.

EU Cohesion policy

Cohesion policy has become an essential pillar in the process of European integration It is the only policy that can bring forward the goals of the EU 2020 Strategy (smarter, greener & more inclusive growth) Cohesion policy... –is tangible and visible to citizens –aims at reducing disparities between levels of development of the regions –Contributes to growth, competitiveness and the well-being of people The Lisbon Treaty expands the scope of the Union’s action in terms of economic and social cohesion by adding territorial cohesion

Cohesion Policy Cohesion scenarioCompetitiveness scenario

Multi-level government EU Cohesion policy has a greater chance of success if the regional and local authorities, as well as stakeholders, including economic, social and other partners are involved form the beginning in the designing and implementation of the development strategies → multi-level government Multi-level governance has become a central element of Cohesion policy

Territorial Pact Territorial Pact of Local and Regional Authorities for the Europe 2020 Strategy to ensure real ownership by the regional and local authorities to encourage regions and cities to contribute to the successful achievement of the objectives of the EU 2020 Strategy.

Thank you for your attention! Lambert van Nistelrooij European Parliament ASP 12 E 142 Rue Wiertz 60, B-1047 Brussels Tel: 0032 (0) Fax (0)