91998E3944

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3944/98

by Anita Pollack (PSE) to the Commission

(4 January 1999)

Subject: Local Agenda 21

What steps has the Commission taken to support exchange of information and experience about local Agenda 21 plans?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(1 March 1999)

The Commission has actively supported the exchange of information and experience about local Agenda 21 over several years. Activities range from policy development to financial contributions for activities such as studies, projects, conferences and publications.

The communication(1)"Sustainable urban development in the European Union: a framework for action" reaffirms the Commission's commitment in this area. Actions 19, 20 and 23 are of particular relevance, setting out future priorities in relation to the exchange of experience and Local Agenda 21 activities.

Examples of past Commission activities in this field include the expert group on the urban environment and the sustainable cities project (it produced the sustainable cities report and the good practice guide, which highlight local Agenda 21 and provide practical examples); the European sustainable cities & towns campaign, set up to encourage and support local authorities in working towards sustainability by promoting development towards sustainability at the local level through local Agenda 21; European and regional conferences (including Aalborg 1994, Lisbon 1996, Turku and Sofia 1998, Seville and The Hague 1999); and a database on good practice in urban management and sustainability, focused on disseminating good practice about how cities and towns can be managed in more sustainable ways.

(1) COM(98) 605.