Express your Needs and Expectations on Future URBACT Programme

The draft regulations for European Territorial Cooperation which will govern future URBACT Porgramme state that "ERDF supports interregional cooperation to strengthen the effectiveness of cohesion policy in promoting the exchange of experience concerning the identification, transfer and dissemination of good practices on sustainable urban development, including urban-rural linkages."

A Joint Programming Working Group was set up with those Members States which expressed an interest, the Commission and is chaired by the French Managing Authority. The first meeting took place in November 2012 and 5 additional meetings are planned before the end of 2013 to discuss the main issues of the next programming period and to design the future operational programme.

At the end of last year the main needs of cities were collected by Member and Partner States based via a questionnaire prepared by the URBACT Secretariat. This input was the main source of information to identify the needs and expectations of cities and national authorities.

This consultation will be deepened through exchanges with city networks and associations and bodies working in the field of sustainable urban development. You are very welcome to send you comments or questions. A web page available here allow stakeholders to provide contributions and receive feedback via a contact form.

• What are the most important urban challenges faced by cities like yours? How can transnational exchange networks support cities in addressing these challenges?
• What kind of capacities and skills should be strengthened at local level to translate the lessons from URBACT networks into concrete action (e.g. in terms of city management, of policy instruments, policy areas related to urban issues, etc.)? How could the programme cater to these needs in terms of capacity-building activities?
• Which are the main obstacles for cities to participate in the URBACT programme?
   

Read more:

• Future URBACT Programme and Contact form - URBACT website