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This challenge is particularly relevant for cities, which can more easily find innovative and accessible
solutions. Stakeholders from all Member States responded to the consultation and confirmed the need for
an EU Urban Agenda with specific objectives and a defined functioning. The aim is to improve the way EU
1
policies are designed and implemented at the local level. It does not seek additional regulation or funding,
but a working method that is better suited to cities and takes into account the views and practices of urban
stakeholders on the ground.

2.2 EU and transports

Under the broad theme ‘Network Infrastructure in Transport and Energy’, the European Regional
Development Fund (ERDF) and the Cohesion Fund invest in several priorities to promote sustainable
transport and remove bottlenecks in key network infrastructures, including energy networks.
More details on investment priorities can be found in the Fund Regulation .
2
Theme Budget for 2014-2020: €69 710 088 697.

Source: https://cohesiondata.ec.europa.eu/themes/7

Several efforts have been made at different levels by different actors. The European Commission , through
the URBAN Pilot Projects and the Community Initiatives , has allowed us to know and acquire results from
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4
practical experiences. The main results showed that an integrated - horizontal and vertical - approach to
sustainable urban development was needed, combining soft and hard investments and ensuring the
involvement of stakeholders and citizens. The approach was integrated into the 2007-2013 programming
period of the European Structural Funds, giving all the Member States and the Managing Authorities the
possibility to envisage measures in support of sustainable urban development.

1 https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/policy/themes/urban-development/agenda/
2 https://cohesiondata.ec.europa.eu/themes/7
3 https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/archive/urban2/urban/upp/src/frame4.htm
4 https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/archive/urban2/urban/initiative/src/frame1.htm