Brussels, 04/02/2015 (Agence Europe) - The European Commissioner for Regional Development, Corina Cretu, appears less concerned about the Urban Agenda, than her predecessor, who launched the idea at the end of his mandate (see EUROPE 11020 and 11169).
A proposal for a European urban agenda was even expected by the end of last year (see EUROPE 11020) but the initiative is still awaited and will no longer be “at the top of the priority list” of Commissioner Cretu, explained one European source. The main idea underpinning the urban agenda is to improve coordination of European policies that have an impact on the cities. A public consultation had already sounded out stakeholders' views on this approach, last September. Its results are not expected to be published until next April, in the shape of a European Commission working document. This could provide the subject matter for discussions during an “Urban Forum” in Brussels on 2 June next, just under a year after the first one was organised (see EUROPE 11020).
Although, at the time, it looked as if the Commission might publish a strategy and action plan on this subject, it now no longer appears to be on the current agenda. The decision whether to present a communication on this renowned “urban agenda” will obviously depend on the interest shown on this issue during the Forum this spring.
The cities and regions have in fact indicated on a number of occasions that they are extremely keen on this initiative (see EUROPE 11019, 11166 and 11193). (MD)