::: News

EU Urban Thematic Strategy

The Thematic Strategy on the Urban Environment was adopted by the Commission on 11 January 2006. The Strategy is based on the results of extensive consultations with a wide range of stakeholders. Consultations began in 2002 with expert working groups on different issues, a large meeting with stakeholders and research reports.

The main actions under the strategy are:

• Guidance on integrated environmental management and on sustainable urban transport plans. The guidance will be based on cities’ experiences, expert views and research, and will help ensure full implementation of EU legislation. It will provide sources of further information to help prepare and implement action plans.
• Training. A number of Community programmes will provide opportunities for training and capacity-building for local authorities to develop the skills needed for managing the urban environment. Moreover, support will be offered for local authorities to work together and learn from each other. These should be exploited both by the Member States and local authorities.
• Support for EU wide exchange of best practices. Consideration will be given for the establishment of a new European programme to exchange knowledge and experience on urban issues under the new Cohesion Policy. The Commission will closely cooperate with Member States and local authorities. This work will be based on a pilot network of focal points on urban issues (the “European Knowledge Platform”) which offers advice to local authorities across Europe.
• Commission internet portal for local authorities. The feasibility of creating a new internet portal for local authorities on the Europa website will be explored to provide better access to the latest information.
  

Article 5.1. 'Guidance on integrated environmental management' states as follows: 'Adopting an integrated approach to the management of the urban environment helps avoid conflicts between the range of policies and initiatives that apply in urban areas and helps achieve a long-term vision for the development of the city. In addition to the voluntary initiatives Local Agenda 21 and Aalborg Commitments, several Member States have legislated or put mechanisms in place to require integrated management of the urban environment. Integrated approaches result in better planning and more significant results. Clearly defined objectives, targets, accepted responsibilities, procedures for monitoring progress, public consultation, review, audit and reporting are crucial for effective implementation of measures. Many successful cities have put in place environmental management systems such as EMAS or ISO 14001 to ensure the delivery of policy objectives and provide public scrutiny on progress. Information campaigns about the improvements delivered are important (e.g. European Mobility Week). The Commission strongly recommends local authorities to take the necessary steps to achieve greater use of integrated management at the local level and encourages national and regional authorities to support this process. The Commission will provide technical guidance in 2006 on integrated environmental management, drawing on experiences and giving good practice examples. Reference will be made to the most relevant EU environmental legislation e.g. air, noise, water, waste and energy efficiency directives.'