Informal Meeting of EU Ministers responsible for Urban Matters & Territorial Cohesion
Today (1st December), following a two day Informal Ministerial meeting between EU Ministers responsible for Urban Development and Territorial Cohesion hosted during the German Presidency of the EU, Mr. Peter Burke TD, Minister of State in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, with special responsibility for Local Government and Planning, welcomed and supported the adoption of the following:
- New Leipzig Charter on Urban and Territorial Development, accompanied by an Implementation Roadmap, and supported by Councils Conclusions on Urban and Territorial Development
- New Territorial Agenda 2030 – A future for all Places
The above have been jointly developed between Member States, under the German Presidency of the EU, to continue the joint efforts of inter-governmental cooperation in the fields of territorial cohesion and urban development as part of the EU Urban Agenda.
The EU Urban Agenda represents a new multi-level working method promoting cooperation between Member States, Cities, the European Commission and other stakeholders in order to stimulate growth, liveability and innovation in the Cities of Europe and to identify and successfully tackle social challenges. The Territorial Agenda is a strategic policy document for Europe, its regions and communities. It provides a framework for action towards territorial cohesion and a future for all places in Europe. It asks policy makers at all governance levels to contribute to an inclusive and sustainable future for all places and to help achieve Sustainable Development Goals in Europe.
Commenting on the occasion Minister Burke noted:
“I am delighted to join my fellow EU Ministerial colleagues today, as hosted under the German Presidency, in continuing our support for the objectives of the EU Urban Agenda, by the joint adoption of both the Leipzig Charter for Urban Development and a new Territorial Agenda for the EU to 2030.
Now that we are four years into the implementation process of the Urban Agenda for the EU, the new Leipzig Charter – The Transformative Power of Cities for the Common Good, marks another milestone point to reflect on the opportunities and challenges facing its implementation, while promoting a new multi-level method of cooperation between Member States, Cities, Regions, the European Commission and other stakeholders in order to stimulate growth, liveability and innovation in the Cities of Europe and to identify and successfully tackle social challenges.
In support, the new Territorial Agenda 2030 – A future for all Places, seeks to contribute to an inclusive and sustainable future for all places and people in Europe - while underlining the importance of both strategic spatial planning and strengthening the territorial dimension of sector policies at all governance levels. Ireland now looks forward to further advancing both the EU Urban Agenda and Territorial Agenda in the years ahead and in support of the already established Project Ireland 2040 spatial and investment plans.”
Ends