National Urban Policies for transformative power of Cities

The former Trio EU Council Presidency of Germany, Portugal and Slovenia is co-organising a networking event to highlighting the role of National Urban Policies for and integrated approach to spatial planning, development, management, and improvement of cities. This session will elaborate on the respective National Urban Policies, incorporating principles of the New Leipzig Charter (2020) for transformative power of European cities. The New Leipzig Charter offers a policy framework to deliver global and European agendas such as the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Paris Agreement, New Urban Agenda and the European Green Deal at urban level. The document identifies three spatial levels (neighbourhood level, local authorities and functional areas) and three dimensions of European cities (just, green and productive) which, when combined, enable integrated approach in urban strategic and multi-sectoral planning and ensure a high quality of life for all. The New Leipzig Charter is aligned with the EU flagship multilevel and multi-stakeholder initiative Urban Agenda for the EU, started by Pact of Amsterdam (2016) and continued by Ljubljana Agreement (2021). Countries use various approaches in their National Urban Policies to enhance sustainable and responsive urban development for a common good. The event will be organised as a “show & discuss lab”, giving the opportunity for urban experts and policymakers to exchange their expertise and experiences on different approaches in national policymaking to enhance sustainable, responsive and resilient urban development.

In the first part of the session, National Urban Policies from Germany, Portugal and Slovenia will be showcased, highlighting the perspective of New Urban Agenda principles and standards for better planning, governance and implementation of urban policies. A moderated discussion will follow, allowing the participants to actively engage in the discussion.