At the first Urban Forum in Brussels on 16 February 2012, Mayors and representatives of cities and of the EU institutions discussed how to achieve the goals of the EU 2020 Strategy with a more dynamic approach to developing urban areas. The Commission's 2014-2020 cohesion policy proposals aim to support the strategic coordination of urban policies to enhance sustainable urban development and strengthen the role of cities in the EU's main investment policy. The creation of an "Urban Development Platform" will promote capacity building and the exchange of urban experience at EU level.

In the future policy for urban development is proposed the following:
Ring-fencing funding for integrated sustainable urban development: A minimum 5% of resources from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in each Member State shall be invested, in coordinated actions that will deliver long term, energy efficient and innovative city development.
A single investment strategy: EU structural funds should support urban development through strategies that tackle together the economic, environmental, climate and social challenges of urban areas. Member States are asked to combine investments from different sources to support measures related to employment, education, social inclusion and improving institutional capacity.
Innovative urban actions: the Commission proposes to allocate part of the budget (0.2% of the ERDF allocation) for financing innovative actions in urban areas. The innovative urban actions shall be urban pilot projects, demonstration projects, and related studies of European interest.
Urban Development Platform: On the basis of lists of cities proposed by Member States, the Commission will establish a platform to stimulate direct dialogue between cities themselves and with the Commission.

More information: http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/conferences/urban_forum2012/index_en.cfm