Debating the
EU Urban Agenda envisaged to kick off on 30th of May with the adoption of the Pact of Amsterdam, COTER members engaged in a lively discussion on concrete steps for implementation, as well as limitations of the UA.
Cllr Kieran McCarthy, member of Cork City Council, underlined the need for cooperation between cities in exchanging ideas for development of urban areas, as well as an exchange of knowledge on access to existing instruments and sources of funding at EU, national and local level.
The EA member also raised the issue of complementarity between metropolitan areas and small and medium sized towns and cities, stressing the need to attach equal importance to both categories as a way to achieve a balanced territorial development across Europe.
The EU Urban Agenda will focus on a number of key priorities that do not, however, include culture amongst them. Cllr McCarthy expressed his disappointment towards this omission, considering that values such as democracy, humanity and freedom are essential traits for European towns and cities and should be reflected by the EU Urban Agenda.
