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Urban II

The aim of the Urban II Initiative is to promote innovative strategies for economic and social regeneration in deprived urban areas, at the same time facilitating the identification of good practice and exchanges of experience across the European Union. To achieve this, the strategies receiving support under the Initiative must:

• cover a critical mass of population (not less than 10,000) and offer sufficient support structures and a strong and broad-based partnership to implement innovative and sustainable urban development programmes

• present an integrated approach (covering economic, social, transport, environment, security, and other aspects) that is particularly well adapted to promoting equality of access to jobs and training, equal opportunities, and complying with Community environmental requirements at local level

• take account of existing strategies for the wider urban area or region, and complement the programmes with structural Objectives and the other Community Initiatives

• maximise the impact and visibility of the selected areas and emphasise the innovative aspects compared to mainstream assistance. The communication lists the types of measure that may be funded under Urban II.

Provision was made for around 50 areas, each with a single problem and needing economic and social regeneration, to receive support under Urban II. These areas may be located within areas eligible under Objectives 1 and 2. Community funding is provided from the ERDF (700 million for 2000-06), which may also finance measures eligible under the ESF and the FIFG.

More information on the Member States’ programming documents for Urban II can be found on the Inforegio website of the Commission’s Directorate-General for Regional Policy.

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