Cohesion Policy and cities : the urban contribution to growth and jobs in the regions

The Communication Cohesion Policy and cities: the urban contribution to growth and jobs in the regions is designed to help national, regional and city authorities in the preparation of the new round of Cohesion Policy programmes. Its main purpose is to amplify and complete the Community Strategic Guidelines by elaborating and strengthening the urban dimension.

In the latter communication the Commission notes that there is no single path to sustainable urban development. Actions can take various forms depending on the particular characteristics and needs of urban areas. Suggested interventions include building the attractiveness of cities, increasing networking between cities, reinforcing the role of cities as poles of growth, promoting entrepreneurship, innovation and the knowledge economy, supporting SMEs decreasing disparities between neighbourhoods and social groups, and tackling crime and the fear of crime.