During the Informal meeting of ministers responsible for regional policy on 06 December 2005 in Bristol, United Kingdom, Commissioner Danuta Hübner presented a paper on “Cohesion Policy and cities: the urban contribution to growth and jobs in the regions”. This paper sets out an agenda for the promotion of a more integrated and strategic approach to urban development that can deliver more growth, jobs, social inclusion and improved environmental quality. The proposals are part of the Commission’s reform of cohesion policy for the 2007-2013 period.

A public consultation on the Commission’s paper has been launched. This consultation closed on 17 February 2006. The results of this consultation are now available. These results will be taken into account when drafting the Community Strategic Guidelines for Cohesion. The Strategic Guidelines will set the framework and future priorities for European funded programmes in the 2007-2013 period.