In the context of transition towards more sustainable development cities play a decisive role. Over two-thirds of the European population lives in cities, places with a rich historical and cultural heritage. Cities are the basis of European society, they are vital centres of learning and culture and are able to draw on a huge economic and social potential. As a result of the high concentration of persons, cities also present a major source of economic, social and environmental problems. Unification within Europe due to EU enlargement will be perceived in cities in tangible form, in towns and cities the dynamism and rapidity of the process will be manifest, however, the inherent difficulties will also be perceptible.
Berlin is confronted by extraordinary problems.
In the now united German capital city the need for sustainable, environmentally compatible urban development is more apparent than in many other major European cities. This perspective is given further weight by the consideration that the city is due to undergo a shift to become the focus of the European economic activity area, i.e. the EU, in the next few years. Cooperation between metropolises Berlin is not the only city to be facing these challenges. The majority of Central European metropolises, which were at the margins of power and economic blocks whilst Europe was divided, are now at the centre of the continent which is growing together. And the same applies for other European cities too.