16th February 2012 | Brussels (Belgium)
The legislative package adopted by the European Commission on 6 October 2011 proposes to strengthen the urban dimension of the future cohesion policy. In line with his long-term commitment to promote an ambitious urban agenda at the EU level, Commissioner Johannes Hahn is launching a direct dialogue with European cities through the organisation of the first Urban Forum, which will take place on 16 February 2012 in Brussels. The event aims to set the ground for a dialogue between the European Commissioner for Regional Policy and cities on the future urban dimension of cohesion policy. By bringing together representatives of European Institutions and Mayors of European cities, the Urban Forum will allow for an exchange of views on future European challenges and how they can be tackled successfully at all levels. At the same time, it will offer an arena for discussion on the future urban dimension of cohesion policy.
The Forum will be divided into three thematic panels:
- Tackling the challenges of coordinating thematic investment;
- Integrated Territorial Investments; and
- New tools provided by the proposed Regulations.
Conceived as a unique opportunity to foster knowledge sharing and transfer of experience, the URBAN Forum will pave the way for an ‘institutionalised’ collaboration between the Commission and cities’ representatives, which will then be implemented through the European Urban Development Platform, foreseen in the proposed draft Regulations on Cohesion policy for 2014-2020.
Around 500 participants, including Mayors of EU cities, representatives of urban networks and associations, as well as cities involved in various EU Urban Policy initiatives are expected to attend. Participation will be only possible upon invitation.For further information, please check the conference website
