European ministers for urban development today signed the Pact of Amsterdam, aimed at improving the lives of people living in Europe’s cities. Upon its adoption, Michael Schneider, President of the EPP Group in the European Committee of the Regions, said: "For us, the EU's locally and regionally elected representatives, it was essential that this Pact of Amsterdam paves the way for a new working method, focused on stronger partnership on urban matters across all levels of government but does not entail new legislation or competences for the EU. We have been talking about this for more than twenty years and I am pleased that today we have an agreement. Now is the time for the real work to start."
This was echoed by the CoR President, Markku Markkula, who expressed his optimism for the long-term effects at a CoR Forum, which was held in parallel to the ministerial meeting. "What is evident is that the Pact is just the beginning, not the end. Its success depends on the long-term commitment of all decision makers: the EU institutions, Member States, cities and regions and civil society" he said "We're launching a long-term process and its implementation lies in one word: partnership".
Benefiting from cities' experience
Today's Europe is increasingly urban. With more than 70% of all Europeans living in cities, towns or their suburbs, cities are the engine of the European economy with 85% of GDP generated there. Despite this, local and regional leaders are concerned that European policy does not reflect the real needs of the businesses and citizens on the spot. The EPP Group in the CoR therefore insists that the EU Urban Agenda must progress in close consultation with local and regional authorities and the impact of EU policy on urban areas is taken into consideration.
"Territorial and urban impact assessments could allow the urban dimension to be better incorporated and measured" – Michael Schneider underlined. Referring to its financing, he added: "We would like to see improved synergies under existing EU budget lines and the flexibility to respond quickly to specific and unforeseen challenges, such as the refugee crisis and threats from terrorism, as well as more exchanges of best practice"
Without forgetting the rural areas
Raffaele Cattaneo, the President of the CoR's Commission for Territorial Cohesion Policy and EU Budget (COTER), warned that a stronger focus on urban issues should not lead to less support for rural areas. Emphasising the importance of links between urban and rural areas and their role in bringing growth and job creation he added:
"EU policies must not encourage a competitive relationship between these two dimensions in so far as they are integrated geographically, administratively and in terms of functional and thematic policies".
The first partnerships under the Pact of Amsterdam will focus on housing, air quality, the integration of migrants and refugees as well as urban poverty. The EPP Group hopes enhanced cooperation in these policy areas, which reflect the European Commission's priorities as well as the challenges and the problems faced by local and urban authorities, will facilitate visible results and demonstrate the added value of the EU Urban Agenda.