introduction

Urban areas play an important role in achieving the objectives of the Sustainable Development Strategy. In urban areas, the environmental, economic and social dimensions are most strongly linked. There are many environmental problems in cities, but cities are also an economic driver, a place to do business and invest. Four in five citizens live in urban areas and their quality of life is directly influenced by the state of the urban environment.

A high-quality urban environment also contributes to the priority of a renewed strategy that is more attractive for work and investment. ' Attracting cities will increase their ability to grow and create jobs, which is why cities are very important for the implementation of the Green program.

However, concerns about the state of the urban environment are increasing. The environmental challenges facing cities have significant implications for human health, the quality of life of urban dwellers and the economic efficiency of cities. 

The 6th EAP Environmental Action Program called for the development of a Thematic Strategy on the Urban Environment with the objective of "contributing to a better quality of life through an integrated approach, focusing on urban areas" and contributing to "a high quality of life and social well-being for citizens by providing whose pollution does not adversely affect human health and the environment, and by promoting sustainable urban development.

In line with the Sixth Environment Action Program, the Commission set out in its provisional Communication its first analysis of the challenges facing urban areas and proposed measures for four priority themes; urban governance, sustainable transport, construction and urban planning, such as promoting good practice and possible commitments to adopt plans locally.

 Stakeholder consultations have been extensively consulted and detailed analyzes of possible future avenues have been made, the results of which are the basis of the current strategy.

ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES TOWARDS URBAN AREAS

Most cities face common basic environmental problems such as poor air quality, very dense traffic and congestion, high environmental noise, poor quality of built environment, abandoned land, greenhouse gas emissions, urban sprawl, waste generation and wastewater.

Among the causes are lifestyle changes (increasing dependence on a car, an increasing number of single-person households, increasing resource use per capita) and demographic changes that need to be taken into account when developing solutions. These solutions must be forward-looking, incorporating risk prevention aspects such as anticipating the impacts of climate change (eg increased flooding) or gradually reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Environmental problems in cities are particularly complex because their causes are interrelated. Local initiatives to solve one problem may create new problems in another area and may conflict with policies at national or regional level. For example, policies to improve air quality by purchasing clean buses (less exhaust) can counteract the growth of private transport as a result of land use decisions (eg construction of parking spaces in urban centers). Problems with the poor quality of the built environment are often linked to underlying socio-economic problems

It is widely acknowledged that most successful local authorities use integrated approaches to managing the urban environment by adopting long-term and strategic action plans detailing the links between different policies and commitments at different administrative levels. Obligations at local, regional, national level (eg land use, noise, air quality) can be more effectively implemented at local level if they are integrated into the local strategic management framework.

ADDED VALUE OF ACTION AT LEVEL

Local authorities play a crucial role in improving the urban environment. Diversity based on history, geography, climate, administrative and legal conditions calls for locally developed, tailored solutions for the urban environment. Applying the principle of subsidiarity, where action is most effective, is also local action.

However, urban action requires action at all levels; National and regional authorities have a role to play.

promoting effective networking and exchange of experience between cities. It can provide financial support for investments to pursue environmental priorities and support training by making research and training available, developing appropriate guidelines and promoting the establishment of national advisory points in cities.

promoting effective networking and exchange of experience between cities. It can provide financial support for investments to pursue environmental priorities and support training by making research and training available, developing appropriate guidelines and promoting the establishment of national advisory points in cities.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STRATEGY

The actions of this strategy aim to contribute to a better implementation of existing environmental policies and legislation at local level by supporting and encouraging local authorities to adopt a more integrated approach to urban governance.

The strategy, if implemented at all levels, will over time contribute to improving the quality of the urban environment, making cities more attractive and healthier for living, working and investing, and reducing the adverse impacts of cities on the wider environments.

MEASURES

SYNERGIES WITH OTHER POLICIES

This strategy covers different areas and many environmental elements and issues. It will contribute to the implementation of the Sixth Community Environment Action Program (EAP) and other environmental policies, including other thematic strategies.

Different environmental policies (for air quality, noise, etc.) require mitigation plans. By introducing these plans into the area of local integrated frameworks, as suggested by this strategy, synergies between many policy areas can be developed.

. Climate change

Urban areas play an important role in adapting to climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions

Urban areas are vulnerable to the effects of climate change, such as floods, heat waves, increasing and severe water shortages. Integrated urban management plans should include measures to limit environmental risk, which will allow urban areas to better deal with such changes.