EUKN

About EUKN

The key objective of EUKN is to enhance the exchange of knowledge and expertise on urban development throughout Europe, bridging urban policy, research and practice. EUKN is characterised by a demand-driven approach, based on the needs of urban practitioners and policymakers. EUKN has developed an extensive, high-quality knowledge database, based on shared standards and protocols. This extensive e-library provides free access to case studies, research results, policy documents, context issues, network descriptions, updated news and meetings.

EUKN - History of the network

At the informal ministerial conference on urban policy 'Cities Empower Europe' on 30 November 2004, the EU Ministers for urban policy agreed to develop a pilot project for a European urban knowledge exchange network - EUKN. The EUKN pilot project took place under the auspices of the Dutch Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations with the voluntary participation of other Member States and the support of URBACT.

National Focal Points

The European Urban Knowledge Network (EUKN) is an intergovernmental urban network. Currently fifteen Member States are a member of EUKN. Each Member State has established a National Focal Point (NFP), which functions as a two-way gateway: disseminating national knowledge via EUKN at the European level and disseminating European and international knowledge at the national level. All NFPs have a national website which is part of the EUKN portal. The NFPs are supported by a small Secretariat, located in The Hague.

About EUKN France

The French National Focal Point is the Centre de resources (Knowledge Centre) of the general secretariat in charge of the Comité Interministériel des Villes – SG CIV-. In its relationship with European partners the Knowledge Centre leans on the Department for European and International Affairs of the SG CIV.

French version of the EUKN France website

Urban Policy in France

Politique de la ville : Taking action for the social cohesion of cities

The French urban policy designed to tackle the problems which occur in deprived neighbourhoods, the Politique de la ville, aims at reducing territorial inequalities within urban areas by mobilising national and local stakeholders. Designed to house more than five million people, the social housing neighbourhoods built between 1950 and 1975 as part of the post-war boost are often poorly integrated into the cities of today. To help these neighbourhoods find their place in developing urban areas, a specific policy called the French urban policy has been progressively implemented.. The purpose of this policy is to establish a balance within cities which is beneficial to all residents.

SGCIV - Internet Tools (Fr)

French partners of the EUKN network

The French EUKN network is open to professionals acting in the field of urban policies :
- Regional knowledge centres for « politique de la ville »
- Knowledge providers linked to central administrations
- Research institutes
- Urban planning agencies
- Cities and policy makers’ networks
etc.