All projects should embrace, in an adapted manner, those principles and we will provide methodological guidelines and customised support to the networks to achieve this. We also look out to enhance our cooperation and synergies with the European Urban Initiative, as relates to the capacity building and knowledge development activities. Naturally, we remain a bottom up programme, listening and responding to the needs that are identified by our main beneficiaries – meaning cities of all sizes.Īmong the novelties, we have the objective to streamline three cross cutting principles: gender, green and digital. The pillars of the new programme are the same as in the previous programme: cooperation trough networking of cities, capacity building and knowledge sharing. We aim to better anchor URBACT in the overall offer of EU support to sustainable urban development. Reason why we say that the new programme is an evolution and not a revolution, while still including some novelties. We intend to capitalise on what made URBACT a successful programme in the first place. Within the next programming period, what are the key topics and instruments URBACT should look out to? That's why the URBACT Method – meaning participative and integrated approach together with action-oriented exchange and learning – has proved to be an efficient way for cities to strengthen their knowledge and skills to act.įurthermore, the tailored-made support that is ensured by the URBACT Secretariat trough capacity building and knowledge activities to all partners of approved networks, it's a particularity of the programme and also a big reason for its success! When tackling these challenges, a bottom up approach is key to ensure the possibility for cities to cooperate on whichever topics they consider the most relevant.

How do you think URBACT stands out in the EU urban landscape?įor the last years, urban development has been a hot topic in EU and national agendas, in this regard, URBACT has built a solid reputation as an EU programme, bringing benefits to cities since 2002. Stakeholders at EU, national and local level are confident about the capacity of the programme to ensure relevant support when facing the different challenges in cities. We had the chance to have a chat with Teofil, read on below! For six years he was responsible for the management of the budget, public procurement, reporting and administration activities. More recently, he worked as Head of Unit for Administration and Management at ESPON EGTC – the single beneficiary of the ESPON programme. In the ministry, he was a manager for nine years, leading the work done for spatial planning, territorial and urban policies and territorial cooperation. With an educational background in political science and in public administration, Teofil worked during 11 years for the Romanian Government in the Ministry of Transports and Ministry of Regional Development.

Theofil look