Regions for Economic Change Conference"Building Sustainable Growth“

May 2010

Rational & Format

› The conference purpose was to discuss key themes, to network and to exchange good practices at regional level through cohesion instruments:Political discussion of key priorities In-depth discussion policy challenges and good practice the importance of cooperation and of spreading good practice

› Fasttrack meeting on 19th May with DGs

› Specialised thematic seminars on 20th May – URBACT cooperation programmes (Interreg IVC & Interact & Epsom)

› Political forum with keynote speakers followed by

› RegioStars 2010 awards ceremony

› Specialised thematic seminars on 21st May Action for Sustainable GrowthChallenges and OpportunitiesResponses & Good Examples from the Regions

Fast track Networks Seminar

› Opportunity to take stock of the experience of Fast Track Networks 1 year after (MILE & URBAMECO)

› Latest Commission initiatives targeted at Cities

› Discussion on fast track process with Commission Services

› Policy update from EC re 2020

› General presentations from 2 fast track projects (U1, MILE 3)

Fast track explained

› New approach testing best practice for Economic Change

› Connecting networks (URBACT &

INTERREG 4C) with Economic Development & Social Funds – done along 30 themes; 7 specifically urban & fit within URBACT

› 3 Elements2 way bridge between MA & CityCommission Services SupportCommunication & information spotlight

› 10 fast tracks2 closed5 in play 3 waiting to start

Regions for Economic Change shaped the URBACT programme

› Involvement of MAs

› LAPs orientation and implementation

› Co-operation between the

European Commission and URBACT

› PURPOSEDev exchange and good practice between citiesCapitalisation – project & programme level activitiesDisseminationDevelop capacity of policy makers

URBACT

› Next Steps Mid Term Evaluation of URBACT II

Prep for next TOR for Next URBACT call 2nd quarter of 2011

› Questions being considered on how to improve URBACT IIMake it more demanding or more supportive?Improve linkage of LAPS with Operational Programme in current or next period?How to improve efficiency of LSGs?Capacity building for technicians, civil servants, civil society & elected people?How to keep alive the URBACT community of work expertise?

Common concerns – Fast track observations

› Some city partners engage better than others

› Difficulties experienced within some cities due to Economic Recession

› Challenge for cities to ‘keep’ political support in changing economic & political circumstances

› Lack of fit for many between city LAPS and structural funds priorities

› Challenge to secure funding for LAPs post project in current crisis

› Some ‘convergence’ cities less aware of URBACT process & operational procedures

› Different quality of LAPs produced across partners

› Some city MAs more active than others

› Some cities withdrew due to economic pressures & lack of human resources

Key comments FROM PROJECTS - › Need to address & identify some

way to finance LAPs

› Projects need to have good information upfront for MAs re the URBACT process -explaining the fast track process and what it has the potential to deliver

› Need a mechanism to support good working relationships established between cities

› FROM EC - see fast track as an open & good process most likely to extend to other EU programmes

› New Instruments: EU 2020Strengthened Governance, reviewing objectives annually @ EU and into national level.Regional level & social partners engagementWill be country based & thematic in terms of monitoring progressWant members to tie national objectives to members budget priorities (still reflecting on how to do this)

OPENCities

› Will have a key role to play at a future Regions for Economic Change Conference:Distilling key learning from OC Presenting key observations and recommendations

› Need to consider how OC will engage at this event & who will attend

› Ideally a number of partners will attend and present a range of perspectives & experiences