Brussels, 11/05/2009 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has launched a contract notice (reference EuropeAid/127426/C/SER/MULTI) for the creation of a support mechanism for the CIUDAD programme (Cooperation in Urban Development and Dialogue) for all countries covered by the neighbourhood policy, both from eastern Europe and the Mediterranean region. According to the notice, the general objective of the CIUDAD programme is to "promote mutual understanding, dialogue and cooperation between local actors in the EU and in the partner countries of the ENPI (European Neighbourhood Policy Instrument) by increasing the capacity to modernise and reinforce the local and regional governments". A budget of up to 3 million euros has been earmarked for this project. The contract is to start in November 2009 and its initial implementation period is set at 48 months. (F.B./transl.fl)