An integrated EU approach to urban regeneration : sustainable urban cities under the structural funds

Abstract

Disparities are visible across cities all over the world; disparities are also manifested within the same continent, same country, and same region. Cities tend to be linked with inequalities as they are places for both rich and poor households. Within a city there are different facets comprising of different neighbourhoods each with its own function, nature, architectural style, attraction, advantages and disadvantages for residents, businesses and visitors. Giving particular attention to the European Union, the challenge to reducing disparities between regions and within regions has long been placed on top of the agenda particularly since 1990s. This thesis shall look at the development of an urban dimension in European regional policy particularly in Cohesion policy aimed to tackle regional disparities ensuring sustainable communities and sustainable urban development. Policy development focuses on the use of an integrated approach to urban development which is the main subject of this thesis. This approach goes beyond a simple form of renovation or rehabilitation of obsolete infrastructure or built up land but it looks into the improvement of the urban fabric from a holistic perspective taking into consideration the renewal of the urban economic and the city image while seeking more social interaction and equity, environmental protection, and better governance through the participation of local populations and their social and professional integration into a multi-functional context. The research looks into a number of actions carried out by cities in Ireland, Slovenia and Malta involving the exchange of best practices and the development of tools and ways how to adopt the integrated approach to urban development. These interventions provide an impetus to develop further the integrated approach to strengthen the role of European cities in the economy as better places to live and work. The urban dimension has been strengthened in Cohesion Policy 2007-2013 based on the experience carried out in previous programming periods. The URBAN Community Initiative has been a successful experience around Europe and its mainstreaming in the European

Regional Development Fund for the current programming period stimulates the implementation of integrated urban development through a wider spectrum. The inclusion of urban development as a priority in the Operational Programmes of Ireland, Slovenia and Malta shall be examined to understand the different interventions planned to be funded under Structural Funds. The European Union has implemented various reforms in Cohesion Policy along the years to be able to meet the changing challenges and opportunities cities have in a globalised world where demographic changes and climate change are jeopardising further growth and competitiveness. Despite Cohesion Policy 2007-2013 is still in its third year, discussions on further reform are underway to ensure that the cities are given the necessary assistance to meet future challenges ensuring social and economic cohesion after 2013.