30/07/2010 (Agence Europe) - URBAN II, the Community initiative for boosting depressed urban areas, has made a positive contribution to tackling the challenges of neighbourhoods in crisis, according to an assessment made by the European Commission. From 2000 to 2006, URBAN II enabled the conversion and renovation of 2,314,000 sq metres of buildings, the creation of 3,238,000 sq metres of green space, and support for 6,000 small businesses and start-ups, resulting in 2,000 new jobs. In collaboration with community groups and neighbourhood watch schemes, 247 projects were implemented to reduce local crime, including street wardens, landscaping and street lighting. Also, the Commission notes that urban regeneration continues in many of the programme areas even after European funding has ceased. Sixty percent of the projects continued beyond the URBAN II funding period. The Commission report can be found at: http: //ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/docgener/evaluation/expost2006/urban_ii_en.htm). (L.C./transl.jl)