Communication from the Commission to the Member States of 28 April 2000 laying down guidelines for a Community initiative concerning economic and social regeneration of cities and of neighbourhoods in crisis in order to promote sustainable urban development (URBAN II)
Date: 2000-04-28
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: EU initiative, economic and social cohesion, environmental protection, less-favoured region, reflation, urban area

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COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE MEMBER STATES

of 28 April 2000

laying down guidelines for a Community initiative concerning economic and social regeneration of
cities and of neighbourhoods in crisis in order to promote sustainable urban development
(URBAN II)

(2000/C 141/04)

1. The Commission of the European Communities decided on
28 April 2000 to establish a Community initiative
concerning economic and social regeneration in urban
areas (hereinafter referred to as URBAN II) as referred to
in Article 20 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1260/1999 (1),
laying down general provisions on the Structural Funds,
hereinafter referred to as the (cid:145)General Regulation(cid:146).

2. Under URBAN II, Community funding is made available
for measures in areas which respect the guidelines laid
included in
down in this notice,
Community initiative programmes
(CIPs) presented by
authorities designated by Member States and approved
by the Commission of the European Communities.

and which are

results, particularly as
approaches to urban regeneration.

regards participative,

integrated

6. The experience gained from URBAN and the UPPs has fed
into the general discussion on urban policy, which has
taken place over the last few years. The outcome of this
discussion was the Commission communication entitled
(cid:145)Sustainable urban development in the European Union: a
framework for action(cid:146) (COM(1998) 605 final), which set
out the Commission’s view of how urban action would be
developed in the future.

I. General objectives and principles

3. Five

years on from their
funded under

initial
launch in 1994,
programmes
the URBAN Community
initiative are beginning to show results. Programme
actions are delivering visible improvements in the quality
of life in their target areas. These promising achievements
show the value of the integrated approach proposed by
URBAN to tackle the high concentration of social, environ-
in
mental and economic problems increasingly present
urban agglomerations. This
a package of
operations that combine the rehabilitation of obsolete
infrastructure with economic and labour-market actions
complemented by measures to combat social exclusion
and to upgrade the quality of the environment.

involves

4. During the 1994 to 1999 programming period, URBAN
funded programmes in a total of 118 urban areas. The total
Community contribution amounted to approximately
EUR 900 million at 1999 prices, which resulted in a
total eligible investment of EUR 1,8 billion and targeted
3,2 million people throughout Europe. URBAN, therefore,
succeeded in mobilising significant funds to targeted areas,
averaging around EUR 560 per capita.

5. A further EUR 164 million between 1989 and 1999
supported 59 urban pilot projects
(UPPs) within the
framework of the innovative actions under the European
Regional Development
Fund (ERDF). These projects
promoted urban innovation as well as experimentation
in economic,
social and environmental matters on a
smaller scale than URBAN, but have produced encouraging

(1) OJ L 161, 26.6.1999, p. 1.

that

in particular assistance

into regional development programmes.

The framework for action recognises the importance of
mainstreaming the urban dimension into Community
policies,
from the Structural
Funds. This requires the introduction of an explicit urban
In
component
both Objective 1 regions and Objective 2 areas,
this
programming
the
approach means
documents under the Structural Funds should include inte-
grated packages of operations in the form of integrated
urban development measures for the main urban areas in
the region. Such measures can make a vital contribution to
balanced regional development or conversion as set out in
part IIIA (Urban development within an integrated regional
policy) of the indicative guidelines (Article 10(3) of the
general Regulation)
through an integrated territorial
approach similar to that developed by URBAN.

various

Furthermore, the measures supported by the ESF under
Objective 3 should promote social cohesion even in
those towns and cities not covered by Objectives 1 and 2.

affecting urban areas

The framework for action also focuses on the need to
develop knowledge and exchange experience and good
urban practice in relation to economic, social, environ-
mental and governance issues. Improved coordination of
the Structural Funds with other Community Financial
serveral key
Instruments
for
actions under
(cid:145)The
research and technological development
city of tomorrow and cultural heritage(cid:146); LIFE; SAVE; and
the cooperation framework envisaged by the Commission
with a view to facilitating the implementation at local level
of Community policy and legislation in the field of the
environment) is required.

fifth framework programme
including,

(e.g.

the

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7.

It is essential to ensure that the new Community initiative
offers distinct added value and is complementary to main-
stream programmes. This can be achieved by investing the
resources of URBAN II in the formulation and implemen-
tation of especially innovative strategies for sustainable
economic and social regeneration promoting pioneering
and visible change in a limited number of urban areas
throughout Europe. The new URBAN II
initiative can
also be a bridge between the small-scale innovative
approaches (such as those that have been piloted under
Article 10 urban pilot projects and LIFE) and the incor-
poration of this integrated, participative approach into the
mainstream Structural Funds, and a focus for dissemination
and good practice.

(cid:151) linkage of the strategic plan for the area in question to
the economic,
social, environmental and physical
network and strategies for the wider urban area or
region,

(cid:151) integration of

the economic, social, environmental,
security and transport aspects,
including equality of
access to jobs and training opportunities from areas
of concentrated exclusion,

(cid:151) promotion of equal opportunities between men and

women,

8. In this context,
initiative are:

the objectives of

the new Community

(cid:151) promotion of

the implementation at

local

level of

Community environmental policies and legislation,

(a) to promote the formulation and implementation of
sustainable
particularly
economic
and
small
medium-sized towns and cites or of distressed urban
neighbourhoods in larger cities;

for
regeneration of

innovative
and social

strategies

(b) to enhance and exchange knowledge and experience in
relation to sustainable urban regeneration and devel-
opment in the Community.

The pursuit of these objectives can facilitate the transition
from innovation
the
programmes in the urban areas concerned accredited as
demonstrative, flagship actions.

the mainstream with

into

9. In order to fulfil these objectives, the urban regeneration
strategies (see point 12) must adhere to the following prin-
ciples:

(cid:151) sufficient critical mass of population and associated
support structures to facilitate the formulation and
implementation of
innovative and sustainable urban
development programmes and a creative approach to
urban governance and sustainable change,

resource

(cid:151) strong local partnership to define challenges, strategy,
priorities,
allocation and to implement,
monitor and evaluate the strategy. Partnerships should
be wide and effective and should be comprised of
economic and social partners, NGOs and residents’
groupings including those active in the field of the
environment and other appropriate bodies as estab-
lished in Article 8 of the general Regulation,

(cid:151) complementarity with the main forms of assistance
(mainstream) under the Structural Funds and other
Community initiatives or programmes;

II. Eligible areas and priorities for action

10. The number of urban areas to be covered under the new
initiative shall be in the order of 50. The population
coverage of each urban area should, as a general rule, be
at least 20 000, although this minimum could be reduced
to 10 000 in duly justified cases.

Each city, town or urban neighbourhood to be supported
must present a single problem to be tackled within a
coherent geographical area. Each area must also demon-
strate the need for economic and social regeneration or a
situation of urban crisis using
indicatores
proposed by the Member States and discussed with the
Commission. Account must be taken of
the specific
needs of small and medium-sized towns suffering from
significant economic and social difficulties.

relevant

11. The urban areas to be supported may be located either
support under
least

within or outside
Objectives 1 and 2. They shall comply with at
three of the following criteria:

eligible

areas

for

(cid:151) a high level of long-term unemployment,

(cid:151) a low level of economic activity,

(cid:151) a high level of poverty and exclusion,

(cid:151) a specific need for conversion, due to local economic

and social difficulties,

(cid:151) the development of an integrated territorial approach,
including, where appropriate, the promotion of inter
institutional partnerships,

(cid:151) a high number of
groups, or refugees,

immigrants, ethnic and minority

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(cid:151) a low level of education, significant skills deficiencies

and high drop-out-rates from school,

(cid:151) a high level of criminality and delinquency,

(cid:151) precarious demographic trends,

(cid:151) a particularly rundown environment.

In addition, Member States will be able to take account of
other relevant criteria.

12. The strategies to be elaborated in the CIPs must maximise
the impact and visibility of the selected areas both within
Member States and at Community level, and emphasise the
distinct role of the proposed action compared to main-
stream assistance. They shall comply with the following
priorities:

(cid:151) waste minimising

and treatment,

efficient water
management and noise reduction as well as reduction
in consumption of hydrocarbon energy
sources,
through development of efficient energy management
systems and renewable energy sources resulting in
measurable reduction in CO2 and other noxious
emissions,

(cid:151) development of the potential of

information society
technologies in order to improve the provision of
for small enterprises and
services of public interest
citizens, contributing to social
inclusion, economic
innovation and regeneration, integrated environmental
policies and management, management of human
resources and employability, and efficient management
of services such as health care, education and training
and services of proximity.

In selecting from those priorities,
the strategies are
required to demonstrate a commitment to organisational
change, participatory governance,
and
capacity-building transferable into mainstream practice at
local and wider levels.

empowerment

protection

the
and open spaces

(cid:151) mixed-use and environmentally friendly brownfield
redevelopment
(including
and
improvement of buildings
in
rundown areas and the preservation of
the historic
sustainable
and
employment opportunities, better integration of local
communities and ethnic minorities, reintegration of
excluded persons,
improved security and prevention
of delinquency and reduced pressures on greenfield
development or urban sprawl,

involving

heritage)

cultural

13. Annex I includes a list of measures that may be funded
under this initiative. The list, which is intended to be illus-
trative and not exhaustive, comprises a number of types of
measures which have been included in the previous
URBAN round as well as in the urban pilot projects
financed under Article 10 of Council Regulation (EEC)
No 20083/93 of 20 July 1993 amending Regulation
for
laying
(EEC) No
implementing Regulation (EEC) No 2052/88 as regards
the European Regional Development Fund (1).

provisions

4254/88

down

in particular,

environmental

to measures
impact

(cid:151) entrepreneurship and employment pacts including local
employment initiatives and employment opportunities
for preventing
linked,
negative
the
for
and
improvement and protection of the environment, pres-
ervation and dissemination of culture and development
of alternative care and other services taking account of
changing demographic structures. Special attention
should be given to ensuring equal opportunities for
men and women,

(cid:151) the development of an anti-exclusion and anti-discrimi-
nation strategy through actions furthering equal oppor-
tunities and targeting notably groups such as women,
immigrants and refugees,

(cid:151) development of

significantly more effective, econ-
omically efficient and environmentally friendly inte-
grated public transport systems, provision for cycling
and walking and intelligent communications systems
leading to a reduction in trips made by motorised
private transport,

14. Each programme must also include provision to assist the
enhancement of knowledge and the exchange and dissemi-
nation of experience and good practice with regard to the
economic and social regeneration of urban areas and
sustainable urban development.

15. In addition, it is necessary to coordinate and enrich this
process through the development of a mechanism facili-
tating the detection and accreditation of innovation and
good practice, structured exchanges of experience, moni-
toring and evaluation (including methods for quantification
indicators) and lessons
and the use of appropriate
emerging from the current urban pilot projets, the urban
audit, promotion of mainstreaming under Objectives 1 and
2, assessment of urban incidence of other Community
policies, etc. In order to further exchanges of experience
and good practice through technical assistance measures
and notably through networking, a maximum amount of
EUR 15 million can be used (see point 32).

(1) OJ L 193, 31.7.1993, p. 34.

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III. Preparation,

presentation

and

approval

of

programmes

16. On the basis of indicative financial allocations per Member
State, a minimum level of expenditure per inhabitant and
an indicative number of urban areas per Member State,
established by the Commission (see Chapter V), Member
States shall identify areas and break down funding by area,
taking into account the criteria set out in point 11.

ability

demonstrable

Strategies shall be selected on the basis of their quality,
innovation and
the
problems and develop the identified potential for greater
urban sustainability and quality of life. The selection shall
take into account
their capacity to become flagship
programmes at national and European levels and to
facilitate the dissemination of good practice across each
Member State and other parts of Europe.

to tackle

17. The CIPs shall be drawn up in accordance with the prin-
ciples, priorities and procedures set out in points 7 to 14
by the local authorites responsible for the areas eligible,
where appropriate in partnership with the regional and
national
institutional
depending
authorities
structure of each Member State.

on the

Each programme shall target an urban area that domon-
strates a high degree of homogeneity regarding the func-
tional characteristics and geography of the area and the
type of problems faced. In exceptional cases, which will
have to be duly justified, more than one urban area (each
with a population of at least 10 000) belonging to the
same territorial context could be targeted within one
programme.

18. The programmes shall have a content similar to that of the
single programming documents described in Article 19(3)
of the general Regulation, adapted to meet the needs and
circumstances of
the sustainable economic and social
regeneration of urban areas including:

(cid:151) ex ante evaluation, as described in Article 41(2), taking
particular account of the strengths and weaknesses of
the area concerned and the expected impact, including
that on the environmental and equal opportunities for
men and women,

(cid:151) an account of the process of programming, including

the arrangements made to consult partners,

(cid:151) a statement of the strategy and priorities for the devel-
opment of the urban area covered by the programme
specific objectives,
including:
the priorities;
to quantifi-
quantified where they lend themselves

the

cation and an indication of how this strategy and these
priorities contribute to attain sustainable development
and how they have taken account of the indicative
guidelines referred to in Article 10(3) of the general
Regulation,

(cid:151) a summary description of
the priorities,

the measures planned to
implement
including the information
needed to check compliance with aid schemes under
Article 87 of the Treaty; the nature of the measures
required to prepare, monitor and evaluate the CIP and
the criteria to be used to determine the nature or
importance for urban areas of the operations,

the general Regulation,

(cid:151) an indicative financing plan specifying for each priority
and each year, in accordance with Articles 28 and 29
of
the financial allocation
envisaged for the contribution by the ERDF and the
EIB, where appropriate, as well as the total amount
of eligible public or equivalent and estimated private
funding relating to these contributions. The total
annual planned contribution by the ERDF shall be
compatible with the relevant financial perspective,

(cid:151) the provisions for implementing the CIP, including:

(cid:151) the name of the authorities and structures partici-

pating in the programme, and in particular:

(cid:151) a managing authority within meaning of Article
the general Regulation with overall

9(n) of
responsiblity for managing the CIP,

(cid:151) a body (where it is different from the managing
authortiy) which will act as paying authority
within the meaning of Article 9(o) and Article
32 of the general Regualtion,

(cid:151) a monitoring committee for the programme
the
within the meaning of Article 35 of
general Regulation (see point 22); and,
if
necessary, a steering committee (see point 23),

(cid:151) a description of the arrrangements for managing
the CIP including the mechanisms for launching
calls for proposals and for the selection of
the
operations, and the role of the steering committees
where appropriate,

(cid:151) a description of

the systems of monitoring and
evaluation,
the monitoring
committee and of the relevant partners associated
at the different stages of the programme cycle,

including the role of

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(cid:151) the definition of a system of financial management
which will permit the rapid and transparent transfer
of this finance to the final beneficiaries,

(cid:151) a description of

the specific arrangements and
procedures for checking on the CIP, specifying the
concerning finance and
various
financial control,
in accordance with Article 38
and 39,

responsibilities

(cid:151) information on the resources required for preparing,

monitoring and evaluating assistance.

19. Once the programmes have been drawn up, they are to be
submitted to the Commission by the authorities designated
by the Member States concerned.

When the Commission has approved each programme, it
will grant a contribution from the ERDF. The Commission
may, in agreement with the Member States concerned, also
the
make a global grant
programme.

the whole or part of

for

20. Each CIP will be

supplemented by

a programme
complement as defined in Article 9(m) and described in
Article 18(3) of the general Regulation except where the
whole programme is the subject of a global grant.

21. This programme

complement will be

to the
Commission no later than three months after its decision
approving
the programme
complement will
follow the same rules on cooperation
and partnership as those applying to the CIP.

Preparation of

the CIP.

sent

IV. Monitoring,

implementation and evaluation of

assistance

amendments

to the programme or

22. The programme will be monitored by the Programme
Monitoring Committee in accordance with Article 35 of
the general Regulation. The Committee will meet at least
once a year and its duties will
include in particular the
approval of the programme complement referred to above,
subsequent
the
programme complement, monitoring and evaluation of
the programme as a whole and approval of the terms of
reference of
for proposals. The Monitoring
Committee will include representatives of the local auth-
orities and the regional and national authorities,
if any,
concerned by the programme. The participation of the
economic and social partners and of non-governmental
environmental
organisations,
sector, is desirable and is to be subject to the requirements
of Article 8 of the general Regulation. A representative of
the Commission and, where appropriate, of the EIB, may
participate in the work of the Monitoring Committee in an
advisory capacity.

including those of

the calls

the

23. Where a programme covers more than one urban area, the
selection of operations and monitoring of their implemen-
tation will be undertaken by a steering committtee for the

operations in each area. The principles of cooperation and
partnership governing this committee will be the same as
those governing the Monitoring Committee. A represen-
tative of the Commission may participate as an observer.
Where a programme covers only one urban area, the work
of
the Steering Committee may be undertaken by the
Monitoring Committee acting as a steering committee.

in Article 34 of

the general Regulation,

24. The managing authority will have the responsibilities set
out
including
organising the preparation of the decisions to be taken
by the Monitoring Committee and, where appropriate,
in particular accept,
the Steering Committee.
consider and undertake a preliminary evaluation of the
financing or will coordinate
operations proposed for
such tasks.
the
activities of the authorities or bodies designated as appro-
priate to implement the various measures.

It will also ensure the coordination of

It will

25. The ERDF contribution shall be paid to a bank account
held by the paying authority or by the managing authority
acting as a paying authority. On the basis of decisions by
the Monitoring Committee
the
Steering Committee, it shall then be paid by the paying
authority (or the managing authority) to the authorities or
bodies as appropriate designated to carry out the various
measures, or to the final beneficiaries.

and, as appropriate,

26. Title III of

the general Regulation (Contributions and
financial management by the Funds) and the provisions
relating to monitoring, evaluation and financial control
will apply to the CIPs. In drawing up their indicators in
accordance with the requirements set out in Article 36 of
that Regulation, the managing authority and the Moni-
toring Committee will
the indicative
methodology and examples published by the Commission.
In accordance with Article 21(4) of the general Regulation,
the CIPs may, after the mid-term evaluation referred to in
Article 42, be revised on the initiative of Member States or
by the Commission in agreement with the Member States
concerned.

take into account

V. Financing

27. The URBAN II Community initiative will be financed

jointly by the Member States and the Community.

28. In accordance with Article 20(2) of the general Regulation,
the total contribution by the ERDF to URBAN II during the
period 2000 to 2006 is fixed at EUR 700 million, at 1999
prices. In accordance with Article 7 of the general Regu-
lation, the ERDF contribution to each CIP will be indexed
at 2 % a year up to 2003 and will be decided at 2003
prices for the years 2004 to 2006. By 31 December 2003
the Commission will determine the rate of
indexation
applicable for 2004 to 2006. Subject to Article 29 of
the Regulation, the ERDF may contribute up to 75 % of
the total cost in the Objective 1 regions and up to 50 %
elsewhere.

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The Commission will adopt indicative financial allocations
for each Member State and an indicative number of urban
areas per Member State to be covered by the initiative (see
Annex II).

In breaking down this indicative amount, Member States
must ensure that a minimum of EUR 500/inhabitant of
total expenditure is attributed to each eligible area.

The Commission is ready to examine possible requests for
an increase in the number of programmes indicated in
Annex II, provided that such requests respect the limits
of EUR 500/inhabitant and 20 000 inhabitants set out in
point 10.

Loans from the EIB may also be available.

29. In accordance with Article 21 of the general Regulation,
the ERDF will finance the measures for the development of
human resources eligible under the ESF and measures
concerning fisheries, as appropriate, under
the FIFG
required to implement the URBAN II initiative.

30. The Community

technical
initiatives may
assistance under Article 2 and Article 20 of the general
Regulation of the Structural Funds.

provide

31. Within the programmes,

and

the Commission may make
available technical assistance as required for the design,
financing
under
URBAN II. In this regard, in accordance with Article 29
of the general Regulation, the normal co-financing rates
will apply in all cases where technical assistance is
undertaken at the request of a Member State.

implementation

proposals

of

Exceptionally,
taken at
financed at up to 100 %.

the initiative of

if such a technical assistance measure is
it could be
the Commission,

32. In order to further exchanges of experience and good
through networking actions, a

practice,
maximum of EUR 15 million can be used.

in particular

The normal co-financing rates will apply when such
measures are requested by the Member States.

If, however, such measures are taken on the initiative of
the Commission, they could be financed at up to 100 %.

33. Funding at 100 % undertaken on the initiative of

the
Commission and coming under
two types of
technical assistance described in points 31 and 32 will
the total ERDF
account
contribution as set out in point 28.

for no more than 2 % of

the

VI. Timing

34. Member States wishing to benefit

from URBAN II are
invited to present CIP proposals or where appropriate,
applications for global grants for urban areas within six
months after the publication of this notice in the Official
the European Communities. Annex II shows the
Journal of
for each Member
indicative number of programmes
State. The Commission reserves
to exclude
from consideration proposals received after that date.

the right

35. All correspondence related to this notice should be

addressed to:

European Commission,
Directorate-General for Regional Policy,
Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 200,
B-1049 Brussels.

Done at Brussels, 28 April 2000.

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ANNEX I

INDICATIVE LIST OF ELIGIBLE MEASURES

As required by the general Regulation, all operations part-financed by the ERDF must fall within the scope of the
Structural Funds and the provisions of the datasheets on the eligibility of expenditure. They must equally be in
conformity with other Community policies, including rules on competition.

Mixed use and environmentally friendly brownfield redevelopment

(cid:151) reclamation of derelict sites and contaminated land,

(cid:151) rehabilitation of public spaces including green areas,

(cid:151) renovation of buildings to accommodate economic and social activities,

in a sustainable and environmentally

friendly manner,

(cid:151) preservation and enhancement of historic and cultural heritage,

(cid:151) increasing security and preventing criminality,

involvement of residents in the supervision of neighbourhoods;

improved street lighting; closed circuit TV surveillance. Areas of exclusive access cannot be financed,

(cid:151) personnel training.

The ERDF cannot finance housing. However, when inadequate housing is inseparable from any attempt at addressing
urban development effectively, the programmes should give evidence of appropriate financial allocations from national
in addition to the total amount eligible under the URBAN II
and/or local authorities for housing improvement,
programme. The programmes should also explain how action on housing is coherent with activities funded by the
ERDF.

Entrepreneurship and employment pacts

(cid:151) support for business, commerce, coperatives, mutual associations, and services for SMEs; creation of business

centres, technology transfer facilities,

(cid:151) creation of public/private partnerships, in particular to manage integrated economic development programmes and

to promote (cid:145)green business(cid:146),

(cid:151) creation of a pool of management and marketing consultants; customised counselling for business people; advice to

starters,

(cid:151) training for new technologies, for example computer based production for commercial and/or (cid:145)green(cid:146) technologies,

(cid:151) support for job-intensive projects at the local level,

(cid:151) provision of cultural, leisure and sports amenities, when they contribute to creating sustainable jobs and social

cohesion,

(cid:151) preservation and dissemination of culture,

(cid:151) provision of nursery and crŁche facilities,

(cid:151) provision of alternative care facilities and other services namely for elderly people and children,

(cid:151) advice on security and protection against crime.

Integration of excluded persons and affordable access to basic services

(cid:151) customised counselling, training schemes and language training oriented in particular to the specific needs of

minorities,

(cid:151) mobile units for employment and training advice,

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(cid:151) work-experience schemes on local rehabilitation projects,

(cid:151) improvement of health services; drug rehabilitation centres,

(cid:151) investment in education and health facilities (including drug rehabilitation centres) on a scale suitable for local

development and employment,

(cid:151) promotion of integrated and customised education and training schemes targeting the reintegration of disadvantaged

and marginalised people

(cid:151) public transport links to concentrations of jobs and training inside and outside the area.

Integrated public transport and communications

(cid:151) transport-system reorganisation including the introduction of road pricing, creation of car-free areas, systems for

intelligent traffic control, and park and ride sites,

(cid:151) introduction of integrated public transport,

(cid:151) improvement of public transport security,

(cid:151) telematic serices for travel information, reservation and payment,

(cid:151) energy efficient public transport vehicles,

(cid:151) safe and attractive pedestrian and cycle paths and greenways,

(cid:151) training of staff.

Waste minimising and treatment; efficient water management and noise reduction; reduction in consumption of hydrocarbon energies

(cid:151) promotion of waste minimising, total recycling, selective collecting and treatment,

(cid:151) air quality monitoring and noise reduction (local action plans),

(cid:151) action to reduce water consumption and promote use of rainwater and more effective waste-water management,

(cid:151) promotion of energy efficiency and reduction in consumption,

(cid:151) promotion of renewable energy sources,

(cid:151) training in environmental management and protection.

Development of the potenial of information society technologies

(cid:151) training and installation supporting teleworking and the use of the Internet and other telematics applications,

(cid:151) promotion of effective access and use of telematic services for the citizens,

(cid:151) information systems for the management of human resources and employment opportunities,

(cid:151) support of the use of information and communication technologies for training, employability, education and

culture,

(cid:151) development of services of public interest,

environmental

information, support to SMEs,

in particular in the areas of education and training, health care,
in particular for electronic commerce, and services of proximity,

(cid:151) supporting local authorities for the transfer of know-how and technology from existing experiences at the city level

in the European community.

C 141/16

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

19.5.2000

Improvements in governance

(cid:151) studies and expertise on the reorganisation and improvement of public services,

(cid:151) promotion of new and modern urban management structures; personnel training,

(cid:151) introduction of indicators for local sustainability, follow-up of their uses and possible improvements,

(cid:151) information campaigns (including with a view to reducing stigmatisation), measures to improve access to
information including in the area of environment and involvement of citizens in the decision-making process,

(cid:151) exchanges of experiences and good practice and development of the European Union database on good practice in

urban management and sustainability.

ANNEX II

INDICATIVE NUMBER OF URBAN AREAS TO BE COVERED

B

DK

D

EL

E

F

IRL

I

L

NL

A

P

FIN

S

UK

2

1

10

2

8

7

1

8

(cid:151)

2

1

2

1

1

9