Brussels, 14/04/2000 (Agence Europe) - Urban environment is the theme for the informal meeting of the EU environment Ministers, that will take place this Saturday and Sunday afternoon in Porto (Portugal), preceded by a dinner of Friday evening. A document entitled "Towards an urban environment policy" will act as a basis for the debate that the Presidency wants to dedicate to a subject of interests and major preoccupations for the quality of life of European citizens. Noise, air quality, the enjoyment of public spaces, the promotion of alternative solution to conventional transports, the active participation of citizens and local authorities in urban planing and management occupied a place of choice. Through the debate, the Presidency hopes to bring a useful contribution to the preparation of the 6th action programme for the environment and the sustainable development that should, it fells, grant particular importance to the promotion of the sustainable urban environment and the monitoring of policies through "urban sustainability" environmental indicators.
The reflection document advocates a strategic approach for sustainable urban development, guided by guidelines and clearly defined objectives that take into account the interdependence of the multiple factors at stake enable politicians to effectively take on ten challenges: 1) promote long-lasting transport, 2) reduce energy consumption, 3) guarantee the quality of air and water and reduce the environmental risks, 4) reduce the production of waste and improve its management, 5) preserve nature, in particular natural resources, biodiversity and the countryside, 6) create green areas, 7) restore and revitalise the historic centres, reserve cultural heritage, 8) improve the dilapidated urban areas and abandoned industrial zones, 9) fight against social exclusion, 10) promote reference actions for the promotion of the urban environment.
The session will be presided over by the Portuguese Minister for the Environment, José Socrates. Margot Wallström will represent the European Commission. A representative from the European Environment Agency will also take part in the work.